The Prevalence of Depression and Suicidal Behavior among Emerging Adult Male University Students in Malawi

Abstract

Suicide rates among Malawian men aged between 20- and 39-years have consistently outnumbered their female counterparts at a ratio of approximately 8:1, with depression being identified as the leading risk factor for suicide. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of depression and suicidal behavior among emerging adult male students at the University of Malawi (UNIMA). Emerging adulthood is an age group with numerous intersecting life challenges that can negatively impact mental health, and studies report university students to be at higher risk than the general population of developing mental disorders such as depression. This study employed a quantitative research method, using a cross-sectional correlational research design. Data were collected from 338 male undergraduates using a socio-demographic questionnaire, the Beck Depression Inventory – II (BDI-II) and the Suicide Behaviors Questionnaire – Revised (SBQ-R). Data were analyzed using Stata 17 and the study findings revealed a prevalence of 33.7% for depression and 18.1% for suicidal behavior risk among emerging adult male students of UNIMA, with no statistically significant association between depression scores and academic school or year of study. The study recommends institutionalized mental health screening, more accessible counselling services, and campus-wide suicide prevention programs within institutions of higher learning in Malawi.