Literacy and Stigma of Suicide among Medical Students of Bangladesh: Status and Associated Factors

Abstract

Background: Literacy and stigma of suicide have been poorly assessed across the groups in Bangladesh even though they affect help-seeking behavior and have an enduring effect on suicide prevention. Objectives: We aimed to determine the status of literacy and stigma of suicide along with associated factors among medical students of Bangladesh. Methods: This study was conducted from January to June 2022 among 172 undergraduate medical students in Bangladesh by Google form. Literacy and stigma were assessed by the Bangla literacy of suicide scale (LOSS[1]B), and the Bangla stigma of suicide scale (SOSS-B). Results: The mean age of the participants was 22.81 ± 1.8 (range 19-28) years, 64% were females, and 95% were unmarried. The LOSS-B score ranged from 0-10 with a mean of 4.72 ± 1.97. The literacy was significantly higher in married students, students with chronic physical illness and psychiatric disorder, lifetime suicidal thoughts, and suicidal thoughts in the past year while stigma was significantly lower among females, with mental disorders, with a family history of suicide attempts, and students with suicidal thoughts in a lifetime and past year. Conclusions: The study determines the level of suicide literacy and stigma towards suicide among medical students of Bangladesh. Having history of previous mental health services consumption of mental health services and past suicidal behavior revealed a better level that indicates the effectiveness of mass media campaigns for raising awareness and reducing stigma. Bangladesh Medical Res Counc Bull 2022; 48(3): 225-230