Abstract
BACKGROUND: Suicide is a leading cause of death worldwide. However, data on adolescent suicidal ideation remains limited in rural Bangladesh. OBJECTIVE: This study identifies the prevalence and associated factors of suicidal ideation among adolescents in rural southern Bangladesh. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 500 school-going adolescents in a southern rural subdistrict in Bangladesh. Data were collected using the Suicidal Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised. RESULT: The lifetime prevalence of suicidal ideation was 20.2% (n = 101; 95% CI: 16.9%-24.0%), and the prevalence in the past 12 months was 19.6% (n = 98; 95% CI: 16.3%-23.3%). The prevalence of suicidal attempts was 8.8% (n = 44, 95% CI: 6.6%-11.6%). Associated factors included being ever-married (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR): 6.9; 95% CI: 1.4-33.2; p = 0.016), excessive internet use (AOR: 4.3; 95% CI: 1.1-16.3; p = 0.033), lack of close friendships (AOR: 3.3; 95% CI: 1.2-8.8; p = 0.017), poor family relationships (AOR: 3.1; 95% CI: 1.3-7.2; p = 0.011), and moderate (AOR: 5.9; 95% CI: 2.2-15.9; p ⩽ 0.001), severe (AOR: 8.4; 95% CI: 2.2-34.4; p = 0.003), and extremely severe (AOR: 11.6; 95% CI: 2.6-52.4; p = 0.001) depressive symptoms. CONCLUSION: These study findings can help design effective strategies to prevent suicide and enhance adolescent mental well-being.