Assessing the Risk Factors for Suicidal Thoughts at a Nontraditional Commuter School

Abstract

The sample of students completing the National College Health Assessment (NCHA) Survey at the University of Utah differs from the national reference group for the NCHA 2003 in age, employment, residence, and marital status. The purpose of this study is to determine if the defining characteristics of a commuter school increase the risk for suicidal thoughts. During the fall semester of 2004, the University of Utah implemented a randomized electronic survey assessing the student body's health status in several areas. The authors compared 88 respondents who endorsed seriously considered suicide in the previous 12 months were with the remaining 954 respondents to identify discriminating variables. Those students who seriously considered suicide more likely lived off campus, indicated they were emotionally abused, were in only fair health, experienced being assaulted, experienced unwanted sexual touching, or were not heterosexual. Students who were employed were significantly less likely to consider suicide.

Anxiety and Stress Among Undergraduate Medical Students of Haramaya University, Eastern Ethiopia

“…This is in agreement with previous study findings. 30,[33][34][35][36] This could be linked with the fact that students live off-campus were responsible to pay monthly house rent, prepare or buy daily meals and deal any issues raised related to the house or apartment they live in. 15 There is also evidences that living alone is the risk factor for stress and anxiety.…”

Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors Among First-Year College Students: Results From the WMH-ICS Project

“…In addition, while college student samples are often used to test specific theory-driven hypotheses on STB (e.g., 11,12 ), there is a lack in understanding of how STB is concentrated in student populations according to basic correlates. Previous studies have suggested that basic correlates may include socio-demographic (e.g., gender 13 , age 14 , socio-economic status 15 , religion 16 , sexual orientation 17 ) as well as college-related variables (e.g., living situation 13 , student job 14 ).…”

Symptoms of posttraumatic stress, depression, and anxiety as predictors of suicidal ideation among South African university students

“…40 A study of American students attending a non-traditional commuter college suggested that serious suicidal ideation was associated with living off campus, being gay or bisexual, and having a history of emotional abuse, assault, and unwanted sexual contact. 41 Suicidal ideation among American undergraduate university students has also been significantly negatively associated with positive health attitudes, and positively associated with depression, drug use problems, sleep problems, and with being overweight. 42 Arria et al 2 have suggested that suicidal ideation among university students may have a unique aetiology because of the challenges associated with their developmental period.…”