Abstract

RUIZ DIAZ, Noelia et al. Attitudinal Beliefs about Suicide among Medical Residents and Medical Students: A First Study Conducted in Paraguay. Rev. cient. cienc. salud [online]. 2024, vol.6, e6702.  Epub Dec 27, 2024. ISSN 2664-2891.  https://doi.org/10.53732/rccsalud/2024.e6702.

Introduction. The mental health of physicians and medical students has been studied extensively in Paraguay. However, no studies have focused on the attitudes or beliefs that this group holds about suicide. Objective. To identify and characterize beliefs about suicide among medical students and residents of the National University of Asunción. Additionally, it aimed to analyze whether there were differences in attitudes according to the level of training and to explore possible associations with sociodemographic factors. Materials and Method. This cross-sectional observational descriptive-analytical study used a convenience sampling method. The sample included 174 participants who completed a validated questionnaire on their suicidal beliefs. Data analysis was performed using SPSS, employing descriptive statistic, as well as chi-squared and Cramér's V tests. Results. 72.4% of the participants had favorable attitudes toward suicide; medical residents showed more positive beliefs about suicide than students. No associations were found between attitudes and variables such as gender or personal experience with suicide. Conclusion. Variations in beliefs about suicide were found according to educational level, suggesting that clinical exposure might influence empathetic attitudes. These findings highlight the need to consider the educational context and professional experience when designing interventions to promote compassionate attitudes about suicide in healthcare settings.

Keywords : suicide; attitude; medical students; medical residents; mental health.

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