title: Suicidality among individuals with HIV/AIDS in Benin City, Nigeria: a case-control study.
abstract: Suicidality has been reported to be common in persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). Reports from sub-Saharan countries have been scanty. We surveyed the prevalence of suicidal ideation and attempt among PLWHAs (n=150) and compared them with staff of a local government who acted as controls. Over a third (34.7%) of PLWHAs versus 4% of controls expressed suicidal ideation in the preceding month, with 9.3% attempting suicide in the six months prior to the study. Commonest type of attempt was a drug overdose. Female gender, unemployment, co-morbid illness, living alone and having a partner with the disease were associated with suicidal ideation. Clinicians should routinely enquire about suicidality in PLWHAs to reduce mortality.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Services, Federal Psychiatric Hospital, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. ezechikezie@yahoo.com
authors.forename: U E
authors.initials: UE
authors.lastname: Chikezie
authors.forename: A N
authors.initials: AN
authors.lastname: Otakpor
authors.forename: O B
authors.initials: OB
authors.lastname: Kuteyi
authors.forename: B O
authors.initials: BO
authors.lastname: James
mesh_terms: D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000523:psychology; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009549:Nigeria / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D017678:Sex Distribution; D059020:Suicidal Ideation; D013406:Suicide, Attempted / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult