Self-harm and suicidal ideation in Pakistani youth amid COVID-19 pandemic: findings of a large, cross-sectional study

Abstract

ABSTRACT Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among young people. COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated various factors which could lead to suicidal ideation. Therefore, this study was aimed to assess self-harm and suicidal ideation among university students in Pakistan. We conducted an online, cross-sectional study among students of four major Pakistani universities. The generalized anxiety scale and patient health questionnaire were used to screen students for anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation/self-harm. Suicidal ideation/self-harm was determined from the ninth-item (score ≥1) of the patient health questionnaire. Brief-COPE was used to assess coping methods. This study included 1134 respondents (age 21.76 ± 3.48 years; female 70.5%). Around 32% students reported having thoughts of death and/or self-harm in the past 2 weeks (several days 14.8%, over half the days 7.1%, and nearly every day 10.2%). Moreover, these thoughts were equally prevalent among the demographics. Suicidal ideation/self-harm was found to be increased by the severity of generalized anxiety and depression (p < 0.001). In conclusion, the rate of suicidal ideation/self-harm is alarmingly high in Pakistani university students during the COVID-19 pandemic. There is a dire need to initiate the psychological measures to prevent suicidal behaviors in Pakistani youth. Addressing mental health disparities and preparing support systems to mitigate mental health consequences as the pandemic evolves will continue to be needed urgently.