Factors Influencing Suicidal Behaviour among University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study from North India

Amrta Tiwari; Nidhish Kumar; Swati Raturi; Puneet Kumar Gupta; Mansvee Singh; Hitesh Chopra; Kuldeep Dhama

doi:10.18006/2023.11(1).54.61

Authors

Amrta Tiwari Autonomous State Medical College, Shahjahanpur, India https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9234-7156
Nidhish Kumar Autonomous State Medical College, Shahjahanpur, India https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2825-6142
Swati Raturi ICFAI Education School, The ICFAI University, Dehradun, India https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7293-6113
Puneet Kumar Gupta ICFAI Business School, The ICFAI University, Dehradun, India https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3458-5655
Mansvee Singh Dept. of Clinical Psychology, Manipal College of Health Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5485-6144
Hitesh Chopra Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8867-7603
Kuldeep Dhama Division of Pathology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh - 243122, India https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7469-4752

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18006/2023.11(1).54.61

Keywords:

Suicidal behaviour, Mental health, COVID-19, Logistic regression

Abstract

In the majority of the affected nations, suicidal behavior against COVID-19 leads to various concerns. This study aimed to analyze determinants affecting suicidal behaviour among university students in Uttarakhand. An online cross-sectional survey of 18-year-old university students in Uttarakhand was conducted between April 2 and May 13, 2022. The questionnaire comprised socio-demographic information, the Suicidal Behaviors’ Questionnaire-Revised (SBQ-R) scale, and elements related to the physical and psychological health of COVID-19 (CRPPF). The statistical study included demographic information, basic statistics in terms of frequency and percentage, and logistic regression. In comparison to students with fewer than seven family members, students with more than seven family members were less likely to participate in suicide behaviour (AOR = 2.21; 95% CI: 1.79 to 2.67) and vice versa (AOR = 0.81; 95% CI: 0.56 to 0.97). According to the study, a substantial majority of students (76.35%) claimed that the lockdown implemented to stop the spread of COVID-19 was extremely upsetting for them and that the pandemic had caused them to miss their graduation (73.90%). Adjusted multivariate logistic regression shows that feelings of a burden on family, (AOR= 1.98, 95% CI: 1.09 to 2.82), distancing from family or friends, (AOR =1.66; 95% CI: 1.26 to 2.01), having relationship dilemmas, (AOR= 2.31; 95% CI: 1.84 to 2.97), and being anxious during the lockdown, (AOR= 1.84; 95% CI: 1.08 to 2.27), are significant factors among participants that are linked to higher risk of engaging in suicidal behaviour. The possibility of university students engaging in suicide behaviour was significantly affected by numerous factors. In addition to defending the students' mental health, the concerned authorities should devise and implement strategies to safeguard the students' physical health.

Author Biographies

Amrta Tiwari, Autonomous State Medical College, Shahjahanpur, India

Nidhish Kumar, Autonomous State Medical College, Shahjahanpur, India

Swati Raturi, ICFAI Education School, The ICFAI University, Dehradun, India

Puneet Kumar Gupta, ICFAI Business School, The ICFAI University, Dehradun, India

Mansvee Singh, Dept. of Clinical Psychology, Manipal College of Health Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India

Kuldeep Dhama, Division of Pathology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh - 243122, India

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