Socio-economic Condition and Forms of Suicide Attempts of University Students in Sylhet City, Bangladesh

Abstract

Aim: Death by suicide is a severe public health concern in Bangladesh. According to several studies conducted in this country, a significant portion of her youth are often attempting suicide, endangering their own health and future while causing problems for their families and the country as a whole. This research aims to investigate the socio-economic standing of university students who attempt suicide at least once in their lifetime as well as the forms of suicide attempt they initiated. Methodology: Four institutions in the Sylhet district were chosen for the research; two of them were public, while the rest were private. The required data was collected from 200 respondents employing a purposive sampling technique using a semi-structured questionnaire. After that, each response was coded, and subjected to descriptive statistics. Results: The study’s key findings indicate that 54.5% of the students were female and between the ages of 18 and 37; the majority of third-year students (24%) and fourth-year students (28.5%) were more depressed and suicidal; the study found that the largest percentage of suicide attempters (73.5%) were from rural backgrounds, while 26.5% were from urban areas; the highest percentage of them (86.5%) were members of small families, and 73% were Muslim. Additionally, the study found that the highest percentage of students (36.5%) were in a relationship, while only 4% were married. Most of them got their study and living expenses from family which was insufficient. For expense maintenance 71 out of 200 students worked as home tutor for extra earnings. About 62.5% respondents tried suicide in anomic form, 36% in egoistic form and no one embraced fatalistic form of suicide. Conclusion: Suicide attempt of university students is triggered by various socio-economic dimensions. Again, these are linked to varying patterns of suicide attempt. Underscoring the reasons behind suicide attempts, as well as for future regulations and successful monitoring programs regarding their mental health assistance, data regarding the socio-economic background is crucial.