A Cross-Sectional Study on the Prevalence of Depression and Knowledge and Attitudes towards Suicide in Medical Students in Riyadh

Abstract

Introduction: Suicide and depression are major global public health concerns, claiming the lives of over 700,000 people each year. Aims: This study aims to provide significant insights into the emotional well-being of medical students in these regions by investigating the prevalence of depression as well as the comprehension of suicide. Method: This cross-sectional research of 200 medical students in Riyadh Provinces (Dawadmi & Shaqra) comprised people in their first to fifth years of medical school. The cohort consisted of 100 men (mean age 21.8, standard deviation 3.01 years) and 100 women (mean age 21.2, standard deviation 2.64 years), who were evenly distributed among all students. The University School of Medicine's Ethics Committee approved the study as ethical. The ethical considerations and general research technique of the investigation were ensured. Result: The cohort was evenly divided across all students, with 100 men (mean age 21.8, SD 3.01 years) and 100 women (mean age 21.2, SD 2.64 years). With only 60% of men and 50% of women correctly identifying the rate of 5.43 per 100,000 individuals, there is a clear knowledge gap in the current suicide rate question, highlighting the need for more awareness. 72.5% of respondents said that the migrant group was extremely vulnerable. The chi-square analysis underscored statistically significant gender differences in mental health, family conflicts, and marital issues, emphasizing the importance of gender-specific considerations in suicide prevention initiatives and mental health interventions. These findings highlight the variety of viewpoints among medical students about suicide risk factors and stress the significance of taking sociocultural and gender differences into account when developing suicide prevention programs. Conclusion: This study's conclusion emphasizes the ignorance Saudi medical students have on mental health and suicide. The results highlight the need for focused instructional programs. Proactive interventions are necessary, as evidenced by the trends that have been found, such as the increase in suicide rates and disparities in awareness based on gender. Since the survey includes medical professionals, it is imperative that these concerns be addressed in order to lessen stigma and put into practice practical suicide prevention measures in Saudi Arabia.

Keywords: Mental health, medical education, suicide