Exploration of the factors associated with suicide ideation among students: A structural equation modeling (SEM) approach

Abstract

This article focuses on the rising issue of suicidal thoughts among Bangladeshi students, which is prevalent nationwide. It was a cross sectional study to explore the factors associated with suicidal ideation among Bangladeshi students. 442 students of 15 to 30 years, from 1 secondary school, 2 higher secondary Schools, and 1 university spread throughout different regions of Bangladesh were employed in the study, which used an extensive questionnaire with 85 factors, including 78 possible causes for suicide, scored on a 5-point Likert Scale. The data were analyzed using structured equation modeling (SEM) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) techniques. The study observed five factors contributing to suicide ideation, including psychological, social, academic, economic, and physical factors through SEM approach. According to the findings, suicide ideation is highly correlated with factors like age, living area, monthly family income, family issues, feelings of unworthiness, corruption in the nation, and lack of dignity, among Bangladeshi students. Inferences of this study can be utilized to plan research approaches for exploring the ways of suicide prevention and interventions to suicide ideation.