An Online Study of Suicidality and its Determinants among Nigerian Young Adults Resident in China During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Objective: The outbreak of coronavirus pandemic has affected millions of people globally. This has subsequently triggered diverse mental health challenges. This study examined the prevalence as well as the determinants of suicidality among Nigerian young adults resident in China.Method: This is an online-based cross-sectional survey involving 364 Nigerian young adults in China. Sociodemographic and suicidality related variables were collected. The respondents also completed the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire and the 5-item Brief Symptom Rating Scales.Results: The prevalence rates of suicidal ideation and suicide attempt as a result of the pandemic were 8.2% and 2.5% respectively. A total of 188(51.6%) respondents had anxiety. Suicidality was associated with anxiety and psychological distress.Conclusion: Suicidality is relatively common among the Nigerian young adult population in China during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mental health interventions in terms of screening for suicidality and its determinants may need to be developed for Nigerian young adults in China during this pandemic. Keywords: Suicidality, Suicidal ideation, Suicide attempt, Covid-19 pandemic, Nigerian adults