Prevalence of Suicide Risk Factors among University Students in Gilgit Baltistan

Abstract

The research explores the prevalence of suicide and underlying factors among university students in Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan. This study explores how psychological, social, family, and economic factors shape suicidal ideation in an area where young adults are subjected to increasing social and professional pressures. Although the intended sample size was 300 respondents, data were collected from 400 respondents selected through a random sampling technique. A quantitative research design was employed and data were collected through questionnaires administered to students enrolled in public sector universities of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. The results show that the most significant factors of suicidal thoughts are psychological ones. High levels of anxiety (37.3%), loneliness (38.1%), and mood swings (54.2%) were reported among respondents. On the other hand, economic issues like financial stress had a relatively smaller impact (only 22.3% agreement). The study also found that that students residing in hostels (13.5%) were at greater risk of suicidal ideation than those living with their families (86.5%). Among the respondents, 56.7% were female and 43.3% were male. The findings further suggest that suicidal ideation can be prevented by supportive relationships and close familial ties. Overall, the study concludes that psychological distress and social isolation, rather than financial difficulty, are the main factors associated with suicidal ideation among university students in Gilgit-Baltistan. In order to reduce psychological stress, it is important to build a social support network for the students, such as mental health services, awareness campaigns, and institutional counseling facilities.

The research explores the prevalence of suicide and underlying factors among university students in Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan. This study explores how psychological, social, family, and economic factors shape suicidal ideation in an area where young adults are subjected to increasing social and professional pressures. Although the intended sample size was 300 respondents, data were collected from 400 respondents selected through a random sampling technique. A quantitative research design was employed and data were collected through questionnaires administered to students enrolled in public sector universities of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. The results show that the most significant factors of suicidal thoughts are psychological ones. High levels of anxiety (37.3%), loneliness (38.1%), and mood swings (54.2%) were reported among respondents. On the other hand, economic issues like financial stress had a relatively smaller impact (only 22.3% agreement). The study also found that that students residing in hostels (13.5%) were at greater risk of suicidal ideation than those living with their families (86.5%). Among the respondents, 56.7% were female and 43.3% were male. The findings further suggest that suicidal ideation can be prevented by supportive relationships and close familial ties. Overall, the study concludes that psychological distress and social isolation, rather than financial difficulty, are the main factors associated with suicidal ideation among university students in Gilgit-Baltistan. In order to reduce psychological stress, it is important to build a social support network for the students, such as mental health services, awareness campaigns, and institutional counseling facilities.