Paper Contents
Abstract
Unemployment among young men in India has emerged as a critical public health concern, particularly in states like West Bengal where economic transitions have created significant employment challenges. This cross-sectional study aimed to examine the interrelationship between unemployment, mental health outcomes, social stigma experiences, and suicidal ideation among unemployed men aged 20-35 years in West Bengal. The objectives included assessing the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress; evaluating social stigma perceptions; and determining the prevalence and correlates of suicidal ideation. Employing a descriptive cross-sectional design, data were collected from 400 unemployed men using standardized instruments including DASS-21, Perceived Devaluation-Discrimination Scale, and Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation. The hypothesis proposed that unemployment duration, mental health problems, and perceived stigma significantly predict suicidal ideation. Results revealed high prevalence rates of depression (54.4%), anxiety (61.8%), and stress (47.9%) among participants, with 23.5% reporting suicidal ideation. Statistical analyses confirmed significant positive correlations between unemployment duration, mental health problems, perceived stigma, and suicidal ideation. In conclusion, comprehensive intervention strategies integrating mental health services, stigma reduction programs, and employment generation initiatives are urgently needed to address this public health crisis in West Bengal.
Copyright
Copyright © 2025 Arif Hossain. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License.
