Online ISSN: 2515-8260

Prevalence & Socio-demographic Risk Factors of Suicidal Behavior and effects of various coping Strategies on Suicidal Behavior among Medical Students: A Institution-Based Cross-Sectional Study

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Dr Tanjib Hassan Mullick, Tridibes Bhattacharya

Abstract

Background: Suicidal behaviour in medical students might be brought on by mental pressures and the adoption of inadequate coping mechanisms. Objective: The purpose of this study is to assess the prevalence, risk factors, and effects of coping strategy elements on suicidal behaviour among medical students. Methodology:Medical College students participated in a three-month institution-based crosssectional survey from October to December 2022. Using the stratified random sampling procedure, a total of 350 study participants were chosen and then distributed proportionally to each academic year. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Suicidal Behaviors QuestionnaireRevised, and sociodemographic information were then included in a self-administered questionnaire that the participants were required to complete (SBQ-R). The risk factors and their correlation with suicidal conduct were identified using the chi-square test and the student t test. Results: A total of 62 (17.7%) respondents reported having suicidal behaviour and an SBQ-R cutoff score greater than 7. The age range of the participants was 18 to 35 years, with a mean age of 22.28± 1.87 years . Depression, academic performance dissatisfaction, smoking and alcohol use were the found risk variables substantially linked to greater suicide conduct. (P<0.05) In the study population, psychological resilience (68.6%), religion, and humour (60.3%) were the coping mechanisms that were employed more frequently than supportive techniques (54%). Coping with mental disengagement and coping with supportive techniques were examined as a protective factor for suicide behaviour. Mental disengagement (denial, drug use, venting, behavioural disengagement, and self-blame) was a seldom employed coping strategy (21.7%) among medical students. ( (P<0.05) Conclusion: The prevalence of suicidal conduct among medical students is worrying, and research has shown that risk factors include depression, alcohol and tobacco use, as well as inadequate coping mechanisms. The data suggests that the initial steps in preventing suicidal conduct should be quantification of the problems, early treatment, and proactive student counselling to assist them adopt the proper coping mechanisms.

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