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Research Article Open access CC BY 4.0

Exploring Risk Factors of Suicidal Behaviour among Medical Professionals in the UK: A Retrospective Analysis of Online News Portals

Maruthi Kalyan Challagundla, Divya Vinnakota, Qazi M. Rahman, Ancy Chandrababu Mercy Bai, Russell Kabir

Advances in Research · pp. 78–86 · Published 13 May 2024

10.9734/air/2024/v25i41083

Abstract

Suicide is a significant global health burden. The demanding nature of the healthcare profession, combined with unique stressors and challengses, puts medical professionals at risk of mental health difficulties, including suicidal ideation and attempts. This study aims to investigate suicidal behaviour among medical professionals in the United Kingdom by reviewing online news portals and focusing on the risk factors associated with suicide. Seven online news portals from the UK were purposefully selected for the study, focusing on news reports of suicides among medical professionals. Only English online news portals were chosen, as English is the standard language in the country. Out of the 61 reports, 37.7% of the reported suicides were among males, and 62.3% were among females. The age distribution of the suicide reports revealed that the majority of the cases are within the 20-30 age range (42.6%). Mental health issues and fear of losing their job were also prominent reasons (24.6%). Suicide among healthcare professionals in the United Kingdom has drawn little attention. Suicide is more prevalent in early adulthood and among female professionals. Nurses, doctors, and junior doctors are more likely to commit suicide.

Suicide health professionals content analysis online newspapers mental health communications media

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