Assessing the Suicidal Ideation and Its Associated Factors Among Undergraduate Medical Students and Residents in...

Suicidal ideation (SI) is a serious concern among undergraduate medical students (UMSs) and residents worldwide. This study aimed to provide up-to-date evidence on SI and its determinants among this risky population across Iranian medical universities, in light of increasing sanctions and the resulting economic, cultural, and social challenges faced by Iran.

In this cross-sectional study, which was conducted from September 2023 to July 2024, UMSs and residents studying at Iranian universities were selected via convenience sampling. Participants completed an online 36-item questionnaire containing demographic information and the Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation, assessing suicidal thoughts over the past 6 months. Data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 25), with descriptive statistics and inferential analyses (Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis H tests), considering p-value < 0.05.

Overall, 354 UMSs and 56 residents with a mean age of 23.6, and 30.6 years participated, respectively. About 50% of participants had suicidal thought, and the mean scores of SI among UMSs and residents were 10.3 ± 9.1, and 10.1 ± 7.6, in turn. Also, 12% of participants reported that they are prepared to commit suicide. Univariate analysis showed that age and gender were not significantly associated with BSSI scores. In both UMS and residents, higher SI was associated with sleep deprivation, burnout, doubts about continuing education, and substance use, while lower SI was associated with being married. Having paid employment was associated with lower SI only in residents. Being local to the university, financial stability, and religiosity were associated with lower SI exclusively among UMS.

This study highlights a surprisingly high percentage of suicidal ideation and underscores its' multifaceted nature. These results call for urgent attention to mental health support systems within medical education, particularly in light of the poor conditions of UMSs and residents. Trial Registration: Not applicable.