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Suicidal Ideation in Iraqi Medical Students Based on Research Using PHQ-9 and SSI-C

Author

Listed:
  • Ahmed Al-Imam

    (Department of Computer Science and Statistics, Doctoral School, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Rokietnicka 7 St. (1st Floor), 61-806 Poznan, Poland
    Department of Anatomy and Cellular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Baghdad, Baghdad 10047, Iraq
    Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 2AD, UK)

  • Marek A. Motyka

    (Institute of Sociological Sciences, University of Rzeszow, 35-959 Rzeszów, Poland)

  • Beata Hoffmann

    (Institute of Applied Social Sciences, University of Warsaw, 00-927 Warsaw, Poland)

  • Safwa Basil

    (Department of Psychiatry, Baghdad Medical City, Baghdad 10047, Iraq)

  • Nesif Al-Hemiary

    (Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Baghdad, Baghdad 10047, Iraq
    Psychiatry Council, The Iraqi Board for Medical Specializations, Baghdad 10047, Iraq)

Abstract

Suicidal ideation is a spectrum of contemplations, wishes, and preoccupations with suicide. Its prevalence is ambiguous in Iraq, especially among the youth. We aim to survey the prevalence of suicidal ideation among Iraqi students and explore its risk factors. We surveyed Iraqi undergraduate medical students ( n = 496) using two psychometric tools, the PHQ-9 and Beck’s SSI-C. We also explored potential risk factors, including the students’ attributes, socio-demographics, and history of mental illnesses. The current study included males (23.8%) and females (76.2%) in their early twenties (21.73 ± 0.11). Concerning PHQ-9 and SSI-C, most students had either moderate (28%) or mild depression (27.8%), while those with suicidal ideation accounted for an alarming 64.9%. The strongest association existed between the SSI-C and PHQ-9 scores ( p = 0.001, OR = 4.70). Other associations existed with the personal history of mental illness ( p < 0.001, OR = 2.87) and the family history of suicidality ( p = 0.006, OR = 2.28). Path analysis highlighted four suicidal ideation predictors, including the PHQ-9 score (standardized estimate = 0.41, p < 0.001), personal history of mental illness (0.16, p < 0.001), previous psychiatric consultation (0.12, p = 0.002), and family history of suicidality (0.11, p = 0.005). Suicidal ideation is highly prevalent among Iraqi students. Univariable testing, multivariable analyses, and structural modeling yielded congruent results. The students’ inherent rather than inherited attributes influenced the phenomenon the most, which is in harmony with Durkheim’s theory on the social roots of suicide. We encourage psychiatrists and psychology counselors to be vigilant concerning these risk factors among potential suicidal ideation victims.

Suggested Citation

  • Ahmed Al-Imam & Marek A. Motyka & Beata Hoffmann & Safwa Basil & Nesif Al-Hemiary, 2023. "Suicidal Ideation in Iraqi Medical Students Based on Research Using PHQ-9 and SSI-C," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(3), pages 1-15, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:3:p:1795-:d:1040342
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Xieyining Huang & Jessica D Ribeiro & Katherine M Musacchio & Joseph C Franklin, 2017. "Demographics as predictors of suicidal thoughts and behaviors: A meta-analysis," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 12(7), pages 1-21, July.
    2. Chanhee Seo & Christina Di Carlo & Selina Xiangxu Dong & Karine Fournier & Kay-Anne Haykal, 2021. "Risk factors for suicidal ideation and suicide attempt among medical students: A meta-analysis," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 16(12), pages 1-15, December.
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