Abstract

CALVO G, José M.; SANCHEZ P., Ricardo  and  TEJADA, Paola A.. Prevalence and factors associated with suicidal ideation among university students. Rev. salud pública [online]. 2003, vol.5, n.2, pp.123-143. ISSN 0124-0064.

ObjectivesTo quantify the prevalence of suicidal ideation in a population of university students, to characterize groups in connection with ideation and suicidal behavior, and to determine the variables associated with suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. Methods Observational, analytic and cross-sectional study of a probabilistic sample of the population studied. An instrument for measuring suicide risk and associated variables was applied to this sample. Results The prevalence of the current suicidal ideation was 3,6 %, and 18 % in the last year. Both suicidal ideation and history of suicide attempts were higher among female students. Rape history, being alone more than eight hours a day, and female gender were the factors more strongly related to suicidal ideation. A relationship suicidal ideation and awareness of the suicide of others was not found in this sample. Conclusion A history of rape, remaining alone for more than eight hours during the day, and being a woman should alert the clinician about the possibility of suicidal ideation. It is recommended to explore and assess suicidal ideation in all people with these factors.

Keywords : Suicide; risk factors; attempted suicide; vulnerable populations.

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