Suicide Ideation Intervention in Nigeria

The SEM theorizes that there are multiple inter-related levels of influences on human behavior, and a successful preventive program should address factors at each stratum. My intervention addresses three levels; individual, interpersonal, and social. Firstly, the research will collaborate with relevant stakeholders to design and obtain a commitment from the schools to a suicidal behavior prevention policy and protocol document. Secondly, the intervention will train staff and students on best practices to improve students' connectedness thereby, creating a positive school environment. Thirdly, the study will identify and train gatekeepers on the proper response to suicidal thoughts and other suicidal behaviors; and serve as the link between the students and a school-linked mental health specialist. We will train the gatekeepers to use school-based screening tools. Lastly, this research will educate all students on suicidal behaviors.