Prevalence and Factors Associated with Suicidal Ideation Among the Secondary School Students of Pokhara Metropolitan City

Introduction: Suicidal ideation results in attempting suicide, which has been recognized as a major mental health problem among adolescents. Mental health issues are neglected especially in middle- and low-income countries. The aim of this study was to find out the prevalence of suicidal ideation and factors associated with it among the secondary school students of Pokhara metropolitan city. Methods: Cross-sectional design was used. Study population consisted of the school students of Pokhara Metropolitan city. A total of 176 students of grade 7 to 11 from 3 secondary school of Pokhara Metropolitan city-27 were selected as the study sample using Multistage sampling technique. Standardized self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection from the respondents at their respective schools. Chi-square test was used to identify the association of various factors with prevalence of suicidal ideation. Results: The overall prevalence of suicidal ideation was found to be 14.2%. Chi-square test showed a significant association of religion, parental status, history of psychiatric illness, monthly income, parents checking homework, parents understanding of problem, parental monitoring, truancy, being bullied, physically attacked, physical frightening, current cigarette use, really drunk, anxiety, loneliness and close friend with the prevalence of suicidal ideation among the respondents. Conclusion: The study concludes that approximately one in seven school students tends to have suicidal ideation. The findings of the study emphasize the importance of strengthening parental involvement, improving school-based mental health programs and promoting positive coping strategies to reduce the risk of suicidal ideation among adolescents.