Daniel Kwasi Ahorsu1, Emma Sethina Adjaottor2, Florence Aninniwaa Yeboah3, Yaw Opoku1. 1. Department of Psychology, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana. 2. Department of Behavioural Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana. 3. Department of Social Studies, Presbyterian University College, Abetifi, Ghana.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Students continue to face significant mental health challenges that vary in severity and type. It is, therefore, imperative that researchers and clinicians pay more attention to efforts aimed at improving the mental well-being of students. AIMS: This study examined the differences between Ghanaian students of the various educational levels on some mental health variables and the psychosocial factors of suicidal ideation. METHODS: Three hundred and fifty-seven (357) participants consisting of junior (92 students) and senior (99 students) high school students, undergraduates (86 students) and postgraduates (80 students) were involved in this cross-sectional study. RESULTS: The study revealed that high school students had higher academic stress, depression and suicidal ideation and they used more coping strategies compared to university students. Depression, age, and educational levels were the factors that facilitated suicidal ideation, with spiritual and ritual centred coping strategy and religion (Islam) serving as a buffer for suicidal ideation among students. These factors varied with different educational levels. CONCLUSIONS: High school students experienced significant mental health problems compared to university students-this has direct implications on their academic and psychosocial development. The study recommends that mental health facilities be provided and managed by professionals, especially in high schools.
BACKGROUND: Students continue to face significant mental health challenges that vary in severity and type. It is, therefore, imperative that researchers and clinicians pay more attention to efforts aimed at improving the mental well-being of students. AIMS: This study examined the differences between Ghanaian students of the various educational levels on some mental health variables and the psychosocial factors of suicidal ideation. METHODS: Three hundred and fifty-seven (357) participants consisting of junior (92 students) and senior (99 students) high school students, undergraduates (86 students) and postgraduates (80 students) were involved in this cross-sectional study. RESULTS: The study revealed that high school students had higher academic stress, depression and suicidal ideation and they used more coping strategies compared to university students. Depression, age, and educational levels were the factors that facilitated suicidal ideation, with spiritual and ritual centred coping strategy and religion (Islam) serving as a buffer for suicidal ideation among students. These factors varied with different educational levels. CONCLUSIONS: High school students experienced significant mental health problems compared to university students-this has direct implications on their academic and psychosocial development. The study recommends that mental health facilities be provided and managed by professionals, especially in high schools.
Authors: Yuwei Deng; Jacob Cherian; Noor Un Nisa Khan; Kalpina Kumari; Muhammad Safdar Sial; Ubaldo Comite; Beata Gavurova; József Popp Journal: Front Psychiatry Date: 2022-06-16 Impact factor: 5.435
Authors: Emma Sethina Adjaottor; Frimpong-Manso Addo; Florence Aninniwaa Ahorsu; Hsin-Pao Chen; Daniel Kwasi Ahorsu Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2022-06-27 Impact factor: 4.614
Authors: Daniel Kwasi Ahorsu; Iqbal Pramukti; Carol Strong; Hsiao-Wen Wang; Mark D Griffiths; Chung-Ying Lin; Nai-Ying Ko Journal: Psychol Res Behav Manag Date: 2021-11-15