Suicidal Tendencies Research Articles

Are veterans willing to assist with firearm safety for suicide prevention?

ABSTRACT Veterans in the United States are affected by suicide at higher rates than the general population. This may be due to a higher probability for veterans to use more lethal methods of suicides such as firearms. While veterans often decline to disclose suicidal tendencies to healthcare providers, they show higher connectedness and willingness to heed the advice of peers. Considering this information, it is important to analyze how veteran peers could assist in a suicidal crisis. Veteran responses (n = 1,247) to the Gatekeeper Behavior Scale (GBS) and Firearm Safety Scale (FSS) were analyzed to determine predictive traits of willingness to assist a peer securely store or disable firearms during a suicidal crisis. Results show that veterans are willing to assist in securing firearms to prevent suicide death but are more willing to do so by locking, removing or disabling the firearms than storing them with law enforcement. Older veterans were also more likely to report a willingness to intervene than their younger peers. Of the GBS predictors, only the Likeliness to Help subscale predicted a willingness to intervene with firearm safety. Recommendations for training and interventions that further encourage helping behavior during suicidal episodes are discussed.

The role and advance of ubiquitination and deubiquitination in depression pathogenesis and treatment.

Depression is a common neuropsychiatric disease that is characterized by long-term, repeated low mood, pain and despair, pessimism, and even suicidal tendencies. Increasing evidence has shown that ubiquitination and deubiquitination are closely related to the occurrence of depression, including pathological morphogenesis, neuroplasticity, synaptic transmission, neuroinflammation, and so forth. The development of depression is regulated by intracellular proteins that undergo various posttranslational modifications, including ubiquitination, which falls under the epigenetics category. Although there have been studies and reviews of literature on epigenetics and depression, a systematic review of ubiquitination modification and depression has not been reported. In addition, with the deepening of research on depression and ubiquitination, the development of drugs targeting the ubiquitin system has gradually increased, but it is still not mature, so there is an urgent need to find new antidepressant drug targets. E3 ubiquitin ligases and deubiquitinating enzymes can regulate the occurrence and development of depression in a variety of ways, which may be a direction for the treatment of depression in the future. Therefore, this review describes the latest progress of ubiquitination and deubiquitination in the regulation of depression, summarizes the published signal pathways of ubiquitination and deubiquitination involved in depression, emphasizes the targets and mechanisms of E3 ubiquitin ligases and deubiquitinase in the regulation of depression, and further discusses the therapeutic targets of targeting ubiquitination modification systems to regulate depression.

Communication dynamics and media interactions of young adults who have attempted suicide: a qualitative thematic analysis

ObjectiveThe study examines the potential effects of communication processes and media consumption habits on suicide ideation among male and female young adults aged 18–29 who have attempted suicide at least once.MethodsIn-depth interviews were analyzed using MAXQDA Analytics Pro 2024, and thematic analysis was applied according to Braun and Clarke’s model.ResultsFour themes emerged: (1) Family-related factors, (2) sociopsychological factors, (3) sociocultural factors, and (4) media-related factors. Regarding family-related factors, most participants come from broken family structures and commonly report issues with family communication and experiences of violence. Regarding sociopsychological factors, anger issues, despair, and addictions among participants were observed to increase suicide tendencies. Regarding sociocultural factors, most participants expressed difficulties in conforming to society and feeling pressures from cultural or religious expectations. Regarding media-related factors, it was noted that a vast majority of participants spend long hours consuming media daily and frequently interact with content that leads them into adverse emotional states, primarily for time passing on social media platforms.DiscussionThis research not only reinforces information in the literature but also presents unique findings compared to similar studies, particularly in cultural and geographical contexts. The results uniquely highlight the diversity in perceptions of the relationship between religion and suicide. While literature generally notes religion as a deterrent to suicide, this study reveals that intense religious pressure could increase suicidal tendencies through effects like rejection and hatred of religious values. Media also plays a reinforcing role in this context.ConclusionIn conclusion, this study elucidates the complex interactions underlying suicide attempts among young adults and provides a solid foundation for policies and interventions aimed at better managing media interactions, which play a critical role in suicide prevention efforts.

Artificial intelligence in suicide prevention: Utilizing deep learning approach for early detection

ABSTRACT Background: Suicide among students is increasing in India and is a matter of grave concern. Early identification of students contemplating suicide would facilitate emergency intervention and may save precious lives. Aim: Our primary objective was to construct an artificial intelligence (AI) model employing an artificial neural network (ANN) architecture to predict students at risk of suicidal tendencies. This initiative was prompted by the necessity to implement a proactive and technologically driven strategy for identifying competitive exam-bound students facing heightened vulnerability. The aim was to facilitate timely interventions aimed at reducing the risk of self-harm. Materials and Methods: An AI model utilizing ANNs is devised for suicide risk prediction among exam-stressed students. A 33-feature input layer is curated based on literature and expert insights, with binary features assigned weighted values. A rigorous hyperparameter optimization approach using the Optuna library to select the most effective neural network model. Ridge regression was used to determine bias or variance in the dataset. Training and testing of the model are conducted using fictional and simulated profiles, respectively, and model performance is assessed through statistical metrics and the Cohen’s Kappa coefficient, benchmarked against expert evaluations. Result: The AI model demonstrates exceptional predictive capabilities for suicide risk assessment among competitive exam students. Quantitative Metrics: The model’s accuracy of 98% aligns predictions with outcomes, distinguishing risk categories. Precision at 100% identifies cases within predicted risks, minimizing false positives. A recall of 97% identifies true risk cases, highlighting sensitivity. F1 Score: The model’s F1 score of 98% balances precision and recall, indicating overall performance. Cohen’s Kappa: With a coefficient of 1.00, the model’s substantial agreement with experts underscores its consistent classifications. Conclusion: The study introduces an AI model utilizing ANNs for suicide risk prediction among stressed students. High precision, recall, and accuracy align with expert evaluations, highlighting its promise for timely risk identification. The model’s efficiency in evaluating large populations swiftly indicates its clinical potential. Refinement and real-world validation remain future considerations.

The relationship between mindfulness and childhood trauma with suicide: The mediating role of cognitive bias

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between mindfulness, childhood trauma, and suicide, specifically focusing on the mediating role of cognitive bias. Suicide is a pressing issue that poses a significant threat to public health in society, and understanding the factors that contribute to it is crucial. The research design employed in this study is a correlation-based structural equation model. A total of 370 students from the second level of secondary school in Iran city were selected as participants using an available sampling method during the academic year of 2023. To gather data, several questionnaires were utilized, including the Kentucky Mindfulness Questionnaire, Bernstein et al.'s Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (1994), Hammachi and Ozturk's Cognitive Bias Questionnaire (2004), and the Multi-attitude Suicidal Tendency Questionnaire (MAST). Data analysis was conducted using SPSS-23 and Amos software, encompassing both descriptive and inferential levels. The findings of this research revealed several significant relationships. Firstly, there is a positive and significant direct path from childhood trauma to cognitive bias. Secondly, mindfulness has a negative and significant direct path to cognitive bias. Thirdly, childhood trauma has a direct and significant path to suicide. Additionally, cognitive bias has a positive and significant path to suicidality, while mindfulness has a negative and significant path to suicide. Moreover, there are positive and significant indirect paths from suicide to childhood trauma and negative and significant indirect paths from suicide to mindfulness. In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of mindfulness and cognitive bias as variables related to adolescent suicide. Adolescents who have experienced childhood trauma are more likely to consider suicide as a solution when faced with life problems. These findings emphasize the need for interventions and support systems that address mindfulness, cognitive bias, and childhood trauma to prevent and mitigate the risk of suicide among adolescents.

Emergency treatment of tongue bite after rat poison poisoning in a patient with recurrent depressive disorder: a case report

BackgroundRecurrent depressive disorder (RDD) is mainly manifested as a low mood, negative and pessimistic mood, and often presents suicidal tendencies when severe. This study reports on a patient with RDD who experienced rat poison poisoning occurring tongue biting. The patient’s psychiatric symptoms improved after receiving emergency management and subsequent combined medical care.Case presentationThe patient was a 51-year-old female with RDD complicated with rat poison poisoning. Tongue bite occurred on the third day of hospitalization. She received emergency treatment. Depression, anxiety and suicide risk assessment, safety management and caregiver-health education were conducted on the day of admission and before discharge. At the follow-up after discharge, the risk of suicide was reduced.ConclusionsSuicide in patients with RDD is characterized by repetition and complexity. The occurrence of clinical cases involving tongue bite after gastric lavage is rare. Suicide assessment and emergency management play an auxiliary role in the treatment of patients with recurrent depressive disorder.

The effects of subjective family status and subjective school status on depression and suicidal ideation among adolescents: the role of anxiety and psychological resilience.

Depression and suicidal tendencies are notably prevalent among adolescents, yet few studies have revealed the impact of social status on them. This study aimed to explore the mediating and moderating effects of anxiety and psychological resilience on family status, school status, depression, and suicidal ideation. A total of 1,190 secondary school students aged 13 to 17 years (mean age: 13.57 ± 2.02 years) were evaluated depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation using the PHQ-8 and GAD-7 questionnaires. Subjective family and school status were also assessed. Data analysis was conducted using Mplus, SPSS's Process, and the RSA 3.0 plugin. Subjective family/school status, anxiety, psychological resilience, depression, and suicidal ideation were significantly correlated. Anxiety played a partial mediating role in the influence of subjective family status and subjective school on depression and suicidal ideation, and psychological resilience moderated the impact of anxiety on adolescent depression and suicidal ideation (βdepression = -0.05, p < 0.01; βsuicidal ideation = -0.06, p < 0.05). Subjective family status and school status played important roles in depression and suicidal ideation in adolescents, and anxiety and psychological resilience played mediating and moderating roles.

Evaluation of MMP-9 enzyme in drug-induced suicide cases admitted to the emergency room

ObjectiveThis study investigates MMP-9 enzyme levels in patients who attempted suicide by taking high doses of drugs, considering their sociodemographic characteristics. MethodsThe study included 45 patients who attempted suicide by high-dose drug intake admitted to the emergency room and 45 healthy volunteers with no neuropsychiatric disorders. Blood samples were collected to measure MMP-9 levels, and informed consent was obtained. The samples were centrifuged and analyzed using the ELISA method, with results statistically compared. ResultsFindings indicate that being single and a student significantly increased suicide tendencies (p = 0.002 and p = 0.001, respectively). Psychiatric disorders were the most common cause at 40.0%, followed by antidepressants (55.6%), analgesics (20.0%), and antidiabetics (8.9%) as the most used drugs for suicide. MMP-9 levels were significantly higher in patients who attempted suicide compared to controls (83.74 (±7.14) ng/mL vs. 54.97 (±12.27) ng/mL, p = 0.001). Additionally, MMP-9 levels were higher in single patients compared to married or divorced individuals (p = 0.008). MMP-9 levels were lower in patients with psychiatric disorders, recent psychiatric services, family history of psychiatric disorders, and previous suicide attempts (p = 0.014, p = 0.046, p = 0.035, p = 0.034). ConclusionsThis study shows MMP-9 enzyme can be a potential biomarker for drug-induced suicide attempts, emphasizing the importance of evaluating MMP-9 levels to assess suicide risk and develop prevention strategies.

Primary and secondary prevention of postpartum depression

Pregnancy is one of the important life events in a woman's life, which in the face of pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding process, maternal psychology and physiology will have obvious changes, among which postpartum depression is more common. Postpartum depression (PPD) is a mental syndrome with obvious depressive symptoms or typical depressive episodes during the puerperal period. Its etiology is complex, with sleepiness, gloomy expression, crying and other symptoms in clinic, and even some patients will have suicidal tendencies, which seriously endangers maternal physical and mental health. In recent years, the adverse events caused by postpartum depression have attracted more and more social attention, and postpartum women's mental health has become a hot spot in clinical research. Clinical workers should improve the awareness of postpartum depression, and strengthen the maternal mental health screening, so as to detect psychological abnormalities as early as possible and give timely intervention measures. In view of the high incidence of postpartum depression, it is very important to establish a sound mental health service system for pregnant women. This paper will analyze the high risk factors of PPD summarized the targeted primary prevention and secondary prevention, and proposed prevention strategies before and after the onset of postpartum depression, respectively, to provide theoretical basis for effectively preventing the occurrence of postpartum depression or delaying the progression of postpartum depression.

Breaking the Silence: A Comprehensive Review of Suicide

Suicide is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon, representing a significant global public health issue worldwide. This review explores the various aspects of suicide, including its definition, prevalence, and contributing factors. Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among 15-29-year-olds globally, with the highest rates observed in low- and middle-income countries. Suicidal tendencies manifest in diverse forms, ranging from ideation and gestures to chronic suicidality and murder-suicide, each reflecting unique psychological, social, and biological influences. Psychological factors, particularly mental health disorders, play a significant role in suicide risk, while social isolation, economic hardship, and cultural dynamics further exacerbate vulnerability. Biological factors, such as genetic predisposition and neurobiological alterations, also contribute to suicide risk. The review highlights the importance of prevention strategies, including improving access to mental health care, crisis intervention, restricting access to means of suicide, and public awareness campaigns. The societal impact of suicide is profound affecting families, communities, and economies. Comprehensive, multi-faceted approaches are essential to reduce the global suicide rate and mitigate its impact.

Demographic Profile of Violent Asphyxial deaths in JSS Medical College, Mysuru – Five year retrospective study

The epidemiological risk factors for violent asphyxia deaths can contribute to construct a socioeconomic and demographic profile of victims of asphyxial deaths. This study is also very crucial in identifying the risk factors, triggers for common asphyxia deaths and especially suicidal asphyxial deaths like hanging based on the profile and data derived from this study. This study was undertaken to analyse the different aspects of asphyxial deaths.Main focus is given to study the type of asphyxia, age, sex distribution and seasonal variation, also to know the pattern in work area, seasonal and demographic variations. Among the asphyxial deaths hanging is the commonest which constituted 81% of the total asphyxia deaths and was predominant in males. Drowning is the second most frequent type of asphyxialdeath followed by strangulation. The incidence of hanging is highest during winter season. This suggests that seasonal factors and its resulting psychological fluctuations might aggravate depression and mood, which then might finally impact the victim’s suicidal tendencies leading to increased incidences of hanging.

A Different Case Of Suicide By Hanging - Case Study Of The Event

A thorough analysis of circumstances and examination of the death scene is crucial before determining the manner of death in cases of hanging. While there are numerous reports of suicide and homicide by hanging in India, instances where the deceased is found with hands and/or feet bound and with feet touching a chair, the ground, or a bed, are considerably uncommon, as illustrated in this particular case (figure no.1). Hanging is indeed one of the methods used in suicides due to its accessibility and the perception that it may lead to a quick death. However, it's important to note that the choice of method can vary greatly depending on individual circumstances and cultural context. It is very easy to locate the place (indoor/outdoor) as well as commonly available hanging materials like rope, long napkin, belt, saree, dupatta, and long cloth (dhoti). Partial hanging suicide with hand-tied rope/dupatta cases are very less in number. Data on suicides, such as those reported by the National Crime Records Bureau, provide important insights into patterns and risk factors for suicide, essential information for public health interventions, and policy-making aimed at preventing such deaths. A total of 1,70,924 suicides were reported in the country during 20229. Sometimes suicidal tendency of the victim is so high that he/she can tie his/her hands with ligature material so that he/she cannot escape from the suicidal situation. We can also learn about partial hanging and postmortem blisters from this case study.

“Surviving against the odds. The impact of peer support workers on a chronically suicidal adolescent in secure residential youth care: a single case report from the Netherlands”

ABSTRACT Background The use of peer support workers to support suicidal adolescents is underdeveloped. This study focuses on the effects of a one-year intervention with peer support workers on a chronically suicidal adolescent residing in a secure residential youth care facility in the Netherlands. Moreover, we explore the mechanisms that underpin the role of peer support workers in detail. Method This study employed a single case study design. We conducted seven semi-structured interviews with staff, peer support workers, and a chronically suicidal adolescent. The interviews were analysed using a thematic analysis. Results The results indicate that the suicidal tendencies of the adolescent decreased significantly one year after the peer support intervention compared to the initial baseline. Working mechanisms that underpinned the peer support intervention emphasized building meaningful and trust-based relationships, providing recognition and hope, and practical support from a recovery-oriented perspective. Conclusion The results suggest that peer support has a beneficial impact on the adolescent and treatment teams. Peer support workers contribute to a sense of belonging and connection, coping with suicidality, rediscovering life goals, and improving adolescent self-management. Barriers and facilitators to implementing peer support workers are also discussed.

The Intersection between Tryptophan-Kynurenine Pathway Metabolites and Immune Inflammation, Hormones, and Gut Microbiota in Perinatal Depression.

Perinatal depression is a prevalent mental disorder among pregnant women, characterized by sleep disturbances, appetite changes, negative emotions, cognitive impairment, and suicidal or homicidal tendencies. These symptoms severely compromise personal well-being, disrupt family life, and burden society. Early detection and intervention are thus crucial. The tryptophan-kynurenine (TRP-KYN) pathway is central to the inflammatory hypothesis of depression and has gained significant attention in perinatal depression research. This pathway encompasses numerous metabolic enzymes and neuroactive metabolites that interact with other physiological systems, influencing neurotransmitter synthesis and neuronal development. Through these interactions, the TRP-KYN pathway exerts psychotropic effects. This article reviews the key metabolites and enzymes of the TRP-KYN pathway and examines its intersection with immune inflammation, hormones, and gut microbiota.

CHILDHOOD SEXUAL ABUSE IMPACT ON ADULTHOOD

Introduction – Child sexual abuse (CSA) occurs when a kid or younger person is forced or persuaded to engage in sexual activity, whether the child is conscious of what is taking place. According to global databases, in one-third of countries in the world, at least 5% of young women reported experiences of sexual abuse in childhood. Mental health issues, behavioral manifestations, and interpersonal outcomes are a few impacts of CSA. This study aims to discuss the CSA's impact on adulthood. Methods – The researcher used a total of 13 works of literature, articles, and journals that discuss CSA and its correlation with some mental health issues impact on an adult. Results – Adults with a history of CSA are more likely to suffer from early onset depression, borderline personality disorder, and suicidal tendencies than someone without a history, that is why emotional support seems very important to the CSA survivors. Discuss – As children are sexually abused, it may lead to a variety of difficulties with relationships in general, as well as a host of poor intimate relationship consequences such as adult sexual assault, intimate partner violence, and reduced happiness in romantic relationships. Conclusion – Childhood sexual abuse is still a major problem among children and has several psychological impacts on adulthood, and emotional support is one of the great therapies. Keywords: childhood, sexual, abuse.

EFFECT OF EXPOSURE TO VIOLENT CONTENT OF VIDEO-GAMES ON EVOLUTION OF AGGRESSIVE AND SUICIDAL BEHAVIOURS

Background: Exposure to violent video games leads to aggressive and suicidal behaviours. The objective of this study was to compare violence exposure, degree of aggression and suicidal ideation between non-video gamers (NVGs), non-violent video gamers (NVVGs), and violent video gamers (VVGs), and to correlate degree of violence exposure to intensity of aggression and suicidal ideation. Methods: Thirty-six subjects were included in each of NVGs, NVVGs and VVGs groups. Exposure to violence was evaluated through Video Game Questionnaire (VGQ), degree of aggression via Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ), and severity of suicidal ideation through Suicide Behaviours Questionnaire-Revised (SBQ-R). ANOVA, Post Hoc Tukey’s test, and Pearson’s correlation were used for data analysis. Results: Degree of violence exposure was significantly different between NVGs, NVVGs and VVGs (p=0.000), and so was intensity of physical-aggression, verbal-aggression, anger, hostility, and suicidal ideation (p=0.000 respectively). Degree of violence experienced by NVVGs and VVGs depicted a positive correlation with intensity of physical aggression [(r=0.467, p=0.004) and (r=0.546, p=0.001) respectively], verbal aggression [(r=0.401, p=0.015) and (r=0.476, p=0.003) respectively], anger [(r=0.564, p=0.000) and (r=0.485, p=0.003) respectively], hostility [(r=0.484, p=0.003) and (r=0.440, p=0.007) respectively] as well as suicidal ideation [(r=0.827, p=0.000) and (r=0.604, p=0.000) respectively] while physical-aggression, verbal-aggression, anger and hostility scores showed an independent positive correlation with suicidal likelihood in both NVVGs and VVGs [(r=0.451, p=0.006), (r=0.484, p=0.003), (r=0.480, p=0.003), (r=0.384, p=0.021), and (r=0.441, p=0.007), (r=0.442, p=0.007), (r=0.458, p=0.005), (r=0.491, p=0.002) respectively]. Conclusion: Exposure to violent video games creates aggression associated suicidal tendency. Pak J Physiol 2024;20(3):27?30, DOI: https://doi.org/10.69656/pjp.v20i3.1550

Personal relationships during and after an initial psychotic episode. First-person experiences

Background Psychosis is often associated with loneliness, the absence of a confidant and a perceived lack of social support. In addition, the social isolation and solitude experienced can aggravate internalised stigma, depressive symptoms and/or suicidal tendencies, and worsen the course of the disorder. Aim This study explores the experiences and perceptions of persons with psychosis concerning how their interpersonal relationships have evolved from the earliest symptoms of the disorder to its subsequent clinical stabilisation. Method A qualitative content analysis was performed of the findings from five focus groups and six in-depth interviews (36 participants). Results In the prodrome and initial symptoms stage, five themes were coded: social withdrawal, loss of friends, loss of personal skills, communication difficulties and breakdown of life project. During the recovery phase, four themes were coded: family support, partner support, loneliness and the desire for more close relationships. Finally, during the clinical stabilisation phase, three themes were coded: the recovery of interpersonal relationships, including with peers; reconstruction of the life project and increased interpersonal sensitivity. Conclusions These findings highlight the impact that psychosis can have on social life and show that recovery is also related to the development of maeningful interpersonal relationships.

A REVIEW ON MACHINE LEARNING APPROACHES FOR THE DETECTION OF SUICIDAL TENDENCIES

With the increasing prevalence of mental health issues, particularly suicidal behaviors, the need for early and accurate detection has become critical. This paper explores the current landscape of machine learning approaches used for the detection of suicidal tendencies. It examines a wide range of machine learning techniques applied to various data sources, including social media, clinical records, psychological assessments, self-reported forms like PHQ-9, audio speech recordings, and multimodal data integrating speech and visual information. This comprehensive review aims to reveal the types of existing research based on these varied datasets, highlighting the nuances of data collection, significant features identified, and the results obtained by different studies. Additionally, the review discusses the challenges and limitations associated with these approaches, providing researchers and practitioners with valuable insights into the potential and pitfalls of machine learning applications in diagnosing individuals at risk of suicide. The goal is to inform future research and improve early detection methods to ultimately reduce suicide rates.

How do emotional intelligence, resilience, and parental employment affect anxiety and depression levels among Sudanese adolescents?

BackgroundAdolescents are often sensitive to emotions and vulnerable to psychiatric issues, including suicidal tendencies. Emotional intelligence is believed to play a significant role in resilience, which acts as a protective factor for mental well-being. The study investigated the level of emotional intelligence, resilience, depression, and anxiety in Sudanese adolescents and the relationship between these factors.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among four high schools and included a total of 392 adolescents who completed a self-administered questionnaire consisting of the 30-item trait; Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire- short form (TEQ-SF), Brief Resilience Scale-6 (BRS-6) and Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4).ResultsEmotional intelligence levels were moderate to high (M = 131.53 ± SD 22.16). While resilience levels were low to normal (M = 3.20 ± SD 0.51). Levels of anxiety were present in 89% of students while levels of depression were present in 78% of students and both were positively correlated (r = 0.540). Emotional intelligence and resilience were positively correlated (r = 0.272, p < 0.0005). Also, Resilience was positively correlated with levels of anxiety (r = 0.105) and the latter had a significant negative association with academic performance (r = − 0.102). Parents' status significantly contributed to predicting resilience levels (p-value = 0.011), with an unstandardized beta coefficient of 0.368. The mothers’ unemployment (r = − 0.100) and the father’s employment (r = 0.105) were significantly linked to lower anxiety levels.ConclusionThe high prevalence of anxiety and depression levels among Sudanese adolescents is influenced by parental separation and employment. Improving students' mental health is crucial as it is linked to enhancing their academic performance. This underscores the importance of addressing mental well-being alongside educational outcomes.

Quality of Life After Abdomioperineal Resection for Rectal Carcinoma

Background: Abdominoperineal resection (APR) has long been a standard treatment for rectal cancer, particularly for tumors located very distally or in patients with poor sphincter function. Despite the rise of sphincter-sparing techniques, APR remains essential in certain cases. This study aims to evaluate the impact of APR on the quality of life (QoL) in rectal cancer patients. Objective: To assess the quality of life in rectal cancer patients following APR, focusing on physical, psychological, sexual, and social functioning. Method: This prospective observational study was conducted at Sher-e-Bangla Medical College &amp; Hospital, Barisal, over six months (July-December 2015). Patients who underwent APR for rectal cancer and were at least three months post-surgery were included. QoL was evaluated based on patients' self-assessments across four dimensions: physical, psychological, sexual, and social functioning. Result: The study included patients with a mean age of 48 years (range: 23-75 years), with 40% being early middle-aged (31-40 years). Stoma-related issues were reported by 56% of patients, while 64% experienced odor problems. Psychological distress was prevalent, with 52% feeling discomfort, 44% experiencing depression or anxiety, and 12% reporting suicidal tendencies. Sexual dysfunction was significant, affecting 55% of men, with 83.8% completely impotent. Social functioning was compromised, with 42% reducing social activities. Overall, 24% of patients rated their QoL as poor, 14% as extremely poor, 26% as average, and 36% as good. Conclusion: Rectal cancer patients post-APR experience considerable limitations across all QoL dimensions, underscoring the need for targeted interventions to improve their overall well-being.