A REVIEW OF KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDES TOWARDS SUICIDE AMONG STUDENTS

Abstract

Suicide is a critical public health issue defined as a self-inflicted death with the intent to die. It represents the most severe consequence of mental health disorders, including major depression. The complexity of suicide involves a range of social, psychological, and physical factors, with increased risks associated with substance abuse, feelings of isolation, and a perception of being a burden. Globally, suicide is a significant cause of death, especially among young adults, with over 800,000 deaths annually. Despite its prevalence, understanding and predicting suicidal behaviour remains challenging. This article reviews the prevalence, knowledge and attitudes toward suicide, focusing on their relationship with socio-demographic factors among students and the correlation between knowledge and attitudes toward suicide among students. Findings from previous studies indicate that while knowledge of suicide varies, attitudes are often shaped by cultural and social influences, with a notable impact on socio-demographic variables such as gender and parental education. This study aims to contribute to the understanding of suicide with the aim of improving prevention strategies.