José M Calvo1, Ricardo Sánchez, Paola A Tejada. 1. Departamento de Psiquiatría, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional de Colombia. jmcalvog@bacata.usc.unal.edu.co
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To 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.
OBJECTIVES: To 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.