suicidal behaviors among undergraduate medical students in bangladesh

Background: 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. methods: 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. results: 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. conclusion: 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.