Exploring the Nexus Between Sexting and Suicidal Behaviour Among Undergraduate University Students in Kiambu County, Kenya
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70619/vol5iss6pp37-51-648Keywords:
Sexting, suicidal behavior, undergraduate University studentsAbstract
The purpose of the study was to establish the relationship between sexting and suicidal behaviour among undergraduate university students in Kenya. The study used a correlational research design. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were used to collect primary data using Focus Group Discussion and a research questionnaire, which was adapted from SBQ-R. A total of 10,000 students had an equal chance to take part in the study. All ten universities located in Kiambu County were included in the study. In the selected universities, a total of 384 students were randomly sampled from various departments, also sampled via simple random sampling. Data analysis was done using SPSS (Version 25.0) computer software program. The study revealed that there is a positive, strong, and significant relationship between various forms of sexting and suicidal behavior among undergraduate university students (r=0.574; p=0.000). The study found that there a significant sex differences in relation to in relation to sexting among undergraduate university students since the p-values (0.040 and 0.037) were less than 0.05. The research established that sexting is very prevalent among undergraduate university students, with the most common forms of sexting being text messages, images, and videos. The study also concluded that there is a positive, strong, and significant relationship between various forms of sexting and suicidal behavior among undergraduate university students. The study recommends that University management should prioritize the mental health and well-being of students by integrating comprehensive education on the risks associated with sexting into the university’s orientation programs and ongoing awareness campaigns. The study also recommends that student leadership at the universities in Kenya should advocate for peer-led initiatives that encourage safe online behaviors and create a culture of respect and consent among students. The study suggests that future research use primary and secondary data to investigate the connection between sexting and suicidal behavior among undergraduate university students.
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