Suicidal ideation and its associated factors among the university students at the University of Jaffna

Abstract

Suicide ranks as the tenth leading cause of death around the world. Consequently, suicidal ideation serves as a clear warning sign of possible suicidal behaviour. Since these ideations are most prevalent among individuals aged 15 to 29, university students represent a high-risk demographic for suicidal ideation. Meanwhile, students at the University of Jaffna have also been experiencing a recent increase in suicides and attempted suicides, but the reasons behind these events remain unclear. Hence, this study was designed to assess the prevalence of suicidal ideation and to evaluate its associated factors among the university students at the University of Jaffna. Thus, an analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 414 participants across 11 faculties at the University of Jaffna from January 2024 to July 2025. A stratified random sampling technique was employed to select participants. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Ethics Review Committee, Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna. Data were collected using a pre-tested, self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire consists of three sections: socio-demographic factors, personal, lifestyle, mental health factors, and the Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation. The Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation is a validated tool to screen suicidal ideation. Therefore, screening outcomes were analysed in relation to each associated factor using the Chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test, and the Mann-Whitney U test. The prevalence of suicidal ideation among the study participants was 11.6%. Factors including study year, academic difficulties, tobacco smoking, consumption of alcoholic beverages, illicit drug use, previous suicidal attempts, family history of suicide/attempted suicide, history of mental illnesses, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, ragging, duration of ragging and emotional/ verbal ragging have been significantly associated with suicidal ideation among the study participants. In conclusion, the prevalence of suicidal ideation among students at the University of Jaffna falls within the globally reported range, yet it is markedly closer to its higher end. Therefore, it highlights a concern regarding students’ mental health and safety. Consequently, administrators should consider strengthening existing student counselling services and strictly enforcing anti-ragging policies with clear disciplinary measures, as ragging is a significant factor associated with suicidal ideation among university students.