Influence of Psychosocial Factors on Suicidal Ideation among Police Officers in Nyeri Central Sub-County, Kenya

Abstract

Due to various psychosocial factors some police officers develop suicidal thoughts and eventually commit suicide. A high rate of suicides by police officers persists in the National Police Service in recent years. This study therefore sought to examine the influence of psychosocial factors on suicidal ideations among police officers in Nyeri Central Sub-county, Kenya. The objectives of the study were to determine the influence of work environment on suicidal ideation, examine the influence of job control on suicidal ideation, analyse the influence of social support on suicidal ideation, assess the influence of coping style on suicidal ideation and establish the influence of depression on suicidal ideation. In this study, A mixed methods design was used. A total of 492 police officers working in Nyeri Central Sub County comprised the target population. A sample size of 221 respondents was used. To collect data, a structured self-administered questionnaire, a focus group discussion and an interview schedule were used to collect data from police officers, mental health workers and senior police officers respectively. In order to determine the reliability and validity of the instruments used in this research, a pilot test was conducted in Kirinyaga Central Sub County. Using SPSS v. 26 the collected data was encoded and input into a computer. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics including frequencies, percentages, mean, and standard deviation. Utilizing inferential statistics such as chi-square and regression analysis, correlations between variables was determined. To analyze qualitative data content analysis using NVIVO software was used. Results of quantitative analysis were presented in form tables and figures including pie-charts and bar graphs while narration was used to present results of qualitative analysis. To analyze qualitative data content analysis was used and results were presented in form of narratives. Majority 167 (78.4%) of the respondents did not have suicidal ideation. The study found that 162 (76.1%) of the respondents indicated that their working environment was poor. Similarly, 169 (79.3%) of the respondents had no job control. The results of the study showed that 174 (81.6%) of the respondents had social support. It was found that 147 (69%) of the respondents had adaptive coping style. Majority 144(67.6%) of the respondents in the study had no depressive symptoms. Work environment (p=0.000), social support (p=0.011) and depression (p=0.000) were significant in the chi-square analysis. Work environment (p=0.000) was also significant in the regression analysis. The study concluded that work environment is the most influencing factor of suicidal ideation among police officers. Others included low social support and depression. It was recommended that the National Police Service ought to enhance the police officers working environment so as to reduce suicidal ideation and suicide. It was also recommended that senior officers should be encouraged to talk to junior officers even in matters outside work so as to cultivate a sense of support in the police force. The results of this study are important to police officers, their employer, psychologists and policy makers.