Prevalence and predictors of depression and suicidal ideation among undergraduate students in Gombe State University, North-Eastern Nigeria

Background Depression and suicidal ideation are major public health concerns among university students in Nigeria and globally. Their prevalence in this population often exceeds that of the general population and is associated with poor academic performance, academic attrition, reduced employability and death. Despite this, empirical data from North-Eastern Nigeria, particularly Gombe State, remain limited. This study determined the prevalence of depression and suicidal ideation and identified factors independently associated with both outcomes among undergraduate students at Gombe State University, Nigeria. Methods A cross-sectional analytic study was conducted among 419 undergraduate students recruited from six randomly selected faculties using an electronic questionnaire distributed through departmental WhatsApp groups. Depression was assessed using the first eight items of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), with a score ≥ 10 indicating probable depression. Suicidal ideation was assessed separately using item 9. Variables for the multivariable logistic regression models were selected based on epidemiologic relevance and prior literature, as well as 10-fold cross-validated Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression. Data were analysed using jamovi version 2.7.35 and R version 4.6.1. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) were estimated, and statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results The mean age of participants was 22.8 ± 3.6 years, and 226 (53.9%) were male. Overall, 111 (26.5%) students screened positive for depression, while 143 (34.1%) reported suicidal ideation. Independent predictors of depression were being in the 300 level (aOR = 2.30, 95% CI: 1.10–4.81) and having a history of chronic medical illness (aOR = 3.09, 95% CI: 1.88–5.07). Independent predictors of suicidal ideation were depression (aOR = 16.74, 95% CI: 9.21–30.42), a history of chronic medical illness (aOR = 1.89, 95% CI: 1.04–3.41), and a history of physical or sexual abuse (aOR = 2.02, 95% CI: 1.03–3.96). Conclusions Depression and suicidal ideation were common among undergraduate students at Gombe State University. Students in the 300 level, those with a history of chronic medical illness, and those with a history of physical or sexual abuse should be prioritised for targeted mental health interventions. Routine mental health screening, timely referral, and trauma-informed support services should be integrated into university health systems to facilitate early identification and management of at-risk students.