Gender-based Violence and Suicide Risk in Medical Students at a Peruvian University, 2022

Background Gender-based violence (GBV) is a major public health problem with substantial mental health consequences. Although prior research suggests an association between GBV and suicide risk, evidence in Peruvian medical students is limited. Methods Analytical cross-sectional study conducted among 340 medical students selected through non-probability convenience sampling. Suicide risk was assessed using the Plutchik Suicide Risk Scale, and GBV (victimization and perpetration in intimate relationships) was assessed using the Modified Conflict Tactics Scale (M-CTS). Associations were evaluated with chi-square tests and logistic regression to estimate crude odds ratios (OR) and odds ratios adjusted for sex (aOR), with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Results The prevalence of suicide risk was 20.88% (71/340). Moderate GBV was the most frequent category, both for victimization (68.53%) and perpetration (60.29%). In multivariable models adjusted for sex, GBV victimization was independently associated with suicide risk (aOR = 2.01; 95% CI: 1.14–3.55), as was GBV perpetration (aOR = 2.05; 95% CI: 1.16–3.62). Conclusions GBV (both victimization and perpetration) was significantly associated with suicide risk among Peruvian medical students. Universities should implement early screening and evidence-based interventions, while acknowledging the limitations inherent to cross-sectional designs and convenience sampling.