Self-reported suicidality behavior and attitudes toward suicide among medical and paramedical students

Abstract

Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate knowledge and attitudes toward suicide and suicidality behavior among medical and paramedical students. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a medical college of western India where undergraduate medical (238), physiotherapy (25), and nursing (137) students were enrolled. After taking informed consent, detailed assessment of knowledge, attitude towards suicide using Suicide Opinion Questionnaire and suicidality behavior using mini-international neuropsychiatric interview were done. Data were analyzed using appropriate statistical tests. Results: Ninety-three percent students agreed “people who are at risk can't be easily identified.” Eighty percent students believed “potentially anyone can be a suicide victim.” Acceptability of suicide was highest in nursing students; B.P.T students had highest knowledge regarding suicide. None had active suicidal ideation or planning. Only at a thought level, one-third of total population reported feeling of hopelessness sometime in their life. Sixteen percent, nearly double females ( n = 299) thought sometimes in their life that “it would be better off dead” compared to 8% males ( n = 101). Among three groups, nursing students showed highest suicidality behavior. Conclusions: Attitudes toward suicide and suicidality behavior differ among the groups with significant gender differences. Although acceptability is the highest among nursing students, the group is at higher risk with higher suicidal ideation. Students believe, “people who are at risk can't be easily identified;” hence, further exploration, awareness, and interventions are suggested.