Suicidal behaviors among undergraduate medical students in Bangladesh

Suicide among medical students is a global public health concern; however, it is often addressed poorly in developing countries like Bangladesh. This study aims to examine suicidal behaviors among undergraduate medical students in Bangladesh.

This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted between February and July of 2019. Data were collected from 583 MBBS students at Bangladesh’s public and private medical colleges. A convenience sampling method was used, and data were collected through a pretested semi-constructed questionnaire.

A lifetime suicidal ideation was found among 23.8% of the participants. Significant associations were found among lifetime suicidal ideation, plan and attempt with depression, comorbidity, and family history. Multivariable logistic regression models revealed that a family history of suicide attempts or death by suicide increased the odds six-fold for ideation, over sixfold for a plan, and threefold for an attempt. Females were twice likely to be susceptible to suicide ideation, plan, and attempt.

Suicidality appears high among medical students in Bangladesh. Levels of depression, comorbidities, as well as substance abuse affect lifetime suicide ideation. A previous history of attempting or committing suicide in the respondent’s family increases the individual risk for ideation, plan, and attempt. Females are more vulnerable than males.