Epidemiological analysis of suicidal ideation in university students
Abstract
Suicidal ideation is a social phenomenon of increasing prevalence worldwide. Understanding its epidemiological behavior and risk factors is essential for developing appropriate preventive policies. Methods. A prospective, multicenter, experimental, and uncontrolled study was conducted on the university population from the administrative and health areas in Veracruz, Mexico. Suicidal ideation was measured using Beck's Suicidal Ideation Scale. Statistical analysis was performed using the Chi-square test and the Kruskal-Wallis test. Results. A total of 537 individuals from the fields of Medicine, Dentistry, Physical Education, Public Accounting, and Business Management were included. No differences were found in their sociodemographic characteristics. The prevalence of suicidal ideation was 10.06% (10.63% in females vs. 9.32% in males). Statistically significant differences were found only in the history of psychiatric diseases and the use of psychotropic medications. Conclusions. The prevalence of suicidal ideation and the risk factors detected in our sample are similar to those reported in previous reports; this information should be considered in the design of preventive programs.
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