Suicidal Behaviors and Emotional Distress among University Students in Bangladesh: A Cross-sectional Study in Bangladesh

Abstract Background The prevalence of suicidal behaviors among young people especially among university students is rising alarmingly worldwide. This study aimed to assess the suicidal risks and emotional distress among university students in Bangladesh. Materials and Methods The data were collected from different universities in Bangladesh from June 1, 2022, to June 30, 2022, using a convenience sampling technique. Depression, anxiety, and stress were measured using a 21-point depression, anxiety, and stress scale (DASS-21); insomnia was measured using the insomnia severity index (ISI), and the suicidal behaviors questionnaire revised (SBQ-R) was used to measure suicidal behaviors. Data were analyzed using STATA (version 16) software. Results Out of 620 students, 47.26% were females, and the mean age of the students was 22.66 (SD = 1.95) years. The prevalence of suicidal behaviors was found 20.2% among the students. In addition, the prevalence of depression, anxiety, stress, and insomnia were found 46.5%, 55.2%, 28.1%, and 20.7% respectively. It was found that the students who had depression, anxiety, stress, and insomnia symptoms had the prevalence of suicidal behaviors at 33.33%, 29.53%, 41.95%, and 42.19% respectively. Furthermore, the students who had depression, anxiety, stress, and insomnia were found to show 2.00 (1.11–3.62) ** , 1.83 (0.99–3.38) * , 2.04 (1.15–3.65) ** , and 1.97 (1.17–3.32) ** times higher likelihood of suicidal behaviors compared to those without these symptoms. Conclusion and Suggestions The results of the study suggest that mental health-related disorders like depression, anxiety, stress, and insomnia are significantly associated with the likelihood of suicidal tendencies among university students in Bangladesh.