Suicide Among Physicians and Medical Students in Bangladesh: Variations in Associated Factors

Although health professionals and medical students may be at higher risk for suicide due to occupational stress, academic pressure, and access to lethal methods, evidence regarding suicide among these groups in Bangladesh remains limited.

To examine and compare suicide methods, locations, and reported associated factors between medical students and physicians in Bangladesh.

This media-based retrospective descriptive study identified 50 suicide cases (25 medical students and 25 physicians) from Bangladeshi online news reports published between 2010 and 2025. Data on sociodemographics, suicide methods, locations, timing, and reported associated factors were extracted. Categorical variables were analyzed using chi-square or Fisher's exact test, and continuous variables using an independent samples t-test. A p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Hanging was the most common method (57.8% among cases with available method information, n = 45), followed by poisoning/overdose (33.3%), with no significant differences between the groups. Associated risk factors showed marked differences: Academic pressure and exam failure were predominant among students (71.4%), whereas marital discord was most common among physicians (42.1%, p < 0.001).

The findings suggest differences in reported associated factors between medical students and physicians in Bangladesh. Academic stress appeared more frequently among students, whereas marital discord was more commonly reported among physicians. These preliminary findings may help inform future suicide prevention initiatives targeting different career stages within the medical profession.