Enoch K. Azasu, MSW, PhD

Saint Louis University (SLU)

My research interest is on suicidal behaviors, child and adolescent mental health, and social determinants of health especially among blacks and other minoritized populations. Using a sample of 800 middle school students in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana and applying a theoretical-driven analytic approach as well as a structural equation modelling analysis, my dissertation found the Interpersonal Psychological Theory of Suicidal behavior (IPTSB) was significant in explaining how non-fatal suicide behaviors are occurring in this young population. My substantive research contributions revolve around three primary themes: 1) the epidemiology of suicidal behavior and mental illness among Africans and black Americans, 2) the risk factors and processes associated with suicidal behavior among Africans and black Americans, and 3) mental illness care and comorbidity research among Africans and black Americans, particularly children, youth, and parents. My research on suicidal behavior serves to inform social work practitioners of these disturbing patterns.