Prevalence of suicidal thoughts and its associated risk factors in the general population of Ilam, Iran: a population-based cross-sectional study

Background and aimSuicidal thoughts are important public health concern in Iran. The current study examined demographic and psychosocial factors associated with suicidal thoughts, among people aged over 15 years.MethodsIn this population-based cross-sectional study, conducted in 2023, 1527 people over 15 years old were invited using a multi-stage stratified cluster random sampling method from the city of Ilam. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire and a suicidal thoughts questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using chi-squared and logistic regression using Stata-17 software. A significance level of 5% was considered.ResultsA total of 1431 people completed the questionnaire. Among the 1431 participants, 568 (39.69%) reported suicidal thoughts. The prevalence of suicidal thoughts in women in the age group of 26-45 is higher than in other sections of society. People who experience depression [OR:2.90], anxiety [OR:1.19], and severe stress [OR:1.89] and people who have a history of underlying disease [OR:1.75], or have mental disorders [OR:1.93] have more suicidal thoughts. Also, having hope for the future reduces suicidal thoughts in people [OR: 0.67].ConclusionsSuicidal thoughts were relatively common among the population over 15 years old in Ilam, Iran. Systematic surveillance of suicidal thoughts is recommended among high-risk groups, especially the 26-45 age group.