Suicidal ideation among health students: prevalence and risk factors at a private institution in the Federal District

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.1595222516056

• Palavras-chave: Health Sciences Students; Suicidal Ideation; Mental Health; Psychosocial Risks; Higher Education.

• Keywords: Health Sciences Students; Suicidal Ideation; Mental Health; Psychosocial Risks; Higher Education.

• Abstract:

  Objective: To comparatively assess the prevalence and risk factors associated with suicidal ideation in students from six health courses at a private higher education institution in Brasília. Methods: This is a qualitative-quantitative study with triangulation of methods, conducted with students from Nursing, Physiotherapy, Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Nutrition and Psychology. Data collection took place in two stages: quantitative, using a form adapted from the Beck and Columbia scales, and qualitative, using a focus group. Results: 234 students took part. There was a higher prevalence of suicidal ideation among Veterinary Medicine and Medicine students, especially women, those under the age of 20 and those belonging to the LGBTQIA+ community. Smoking and a sedentary lifestyle were strongly associated with suicidal ideation, while quality sleep and physical activity practices had a protective effect. Qualitative discussions revealed feelings of loneliness, excessive demands and a lack of institutional care as aggravating factors. Conclusion: Early identification of factors associated with suicidal ideation is essential for building institutional strategies to prevent and promote mental health in higher education.