Prevalence and associated factors of suicidal behavior of adolescents in rural Bangladesh

This study aims to find out the prevalence and associated factors of suicidal behavior among adolescents aged 11 to 17 years in rural Bangladesh. A cross-sectional study was performed in a rural subdistrict in Narail in southern Bangladesh, where 350 subjects were recruited. The Bengali-translated versions of the Suicidal Behavior-Revised Questionnaire (SBQ-R) and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale - 21 Items (DASS-21), as well as another structured questionnaire, were used to collect data from participants. Data analysis was done by STATA version 17. A 12.3% (95% CI: 9.2% to 16.2%) prevalence of suicidal behavior was obtained in adolescents. Having step-parents, peer conflict, stress, anxiety, a family history of suicide, relationship status, and overprotective attitudes of parents were found to be significantly associated with the development of suicidal behavior in adolescents. This study may help stakeholders and policymakers to contrive plans and policies to safeguard adolescents from making devastating decisions.