Hope and attitudes related to suicidal behavior among nursing students

Abstract

Objective: to investigate, among nursing undergraduate students, the predictors of hope, suicidal thoughts and attitudes related to suicidal behavior. Methodology: Cross-sectional study, with a quantitative approach, developed in 2018 with 337 undergraduates from a Brazilian public university. We applied a sociodemographic, clinical and psychosocial questionnaire; the Suicide Behavior Attitude Questionnaire and the Herth Hope Scale. We used mean comparison tests, Pearson’s correlation test and binary logistic regression. Results: Predictors of hopelessness were psychiatric diagnoses, mental health treatment, absence of religious beliefs and dissatisfaction with the received social support. The chances of suicidal thoughts were higher among people with psychiatric diagnoses, dissatisfaction with the received social support, more understanding of the right to suicide and hopelessness. Predictors of more negative feelings about suicidal behavior were less professional competence and non participation in scientific events. Older students and those with less suicidal thoughts increased the chances of condemnatory attitudes. Predictors of fewer self-perceived competence were negative feelings about suicidal behavior, dissatisfaction with social support and less educational exposure (previous reading of suicide prevention materials or participation in events) and not having friends/relatives at suicide risk. Conclusion: it is important to develop and evaluate undergraduate support and educational strategies that consider the factors investigated in this study, in order to promote hope and training for suicide prevention.

Suicidal thoughts and behaviours among student nurses and midwives: A systematic review

“…Thirty‐two studies examined suicide ideation among nursing or midwifery students (Abdollahi et al., 2018; Albuquerque et al., 2019, 2023; Alexandrino‐Silva et al., 2009; Amazue et al., 2019; Aradilla‐Herrero et al., 2014; Balay‐odao et al., 2019; Botti et al., 2016; Chiarelo et al., 2021; Chipas et al., 2012; de Moissac et al., 2022; Divya et al., 2022; Fernandes et al., 2018; Ferrara et al., 2022; Harikrishna et al., 2016; Heath et al., 2021; Livingston et al., 2022; McDermott et al., 2020, 2021; Melissa‐Halikiopoulou et al., 2011; Monya et al., 2021; Nagaraja et al., 2015; Poreddi et al., 2021; Quarshie et al., 2019; Ren et al., 2021; Risal et al., 2016; Shamsaei et al., 2019; Silva et al., 2020; Sousa et al., 2022; Vedana et al., 2020; Vedana & Zanetti, 2019; Yeh et al., 2016). Measurement of suicide ideation varied widely, including measurement tools used and measurement period (e.g.…”

“…In another study with students in Nigeria, a significant correlation was found, but was no longer associated once other variables were controlled for (Amazue et al., 2019). No associations were found between suicide ideation and race, ethnicity (Risal et al., 2016) or religious belief, following adjustment (Chiarelo et al., 2021).…”

“…Sixteen studies examined factors which contributed to suicidal ideation (Abdollahi et al, 2018;Alexandrino-Silva et al, 2009;Amazue et al, 2019;Balay-odao et al, 2019;Botti et al, 2016;Chiarelo et al, 2021;Chipas et al, 2012;Ferrara et al, 2022;Harikrishna et al, 2016;Melissa-Halikiopoulou et al, 2011;Ren et al, 2021;Risal et al, 2016;Shamsaei et al, 2019;Vedana et al, 2020;Vedana & Zanetti, 2019;Yeh et al, 2016). These included studies examining sociodemographic characteristics (k = 8), mental health, well-being and substance use (k = 10), academic characteristics (k = 10), interpersonal issues (k = 6), alongside other factors (k = 7).…”

“…This included 6.3% of student registered nurse anaesthetists who knew of fellow nurse anaesthesia students who had died by suicide during training (Chipas et al, 2012). Of studies examining the relation between contact with individuals with suicidal behaviours and ideation, mixed results were found (Chiarelo et al, 2021;Vedana et al, 2020;Vedana & Zanetti, 2019), including one study finding contact was associated with, but not predictive of ideation after adjustment (Chiarelo et al, 2021).…”

“…Two studies examined relationship issues, with one finding dissatisfaction with social support was predictive of suicide ideation (Chiarelo et al, 2021), and another finding no predictive association of family interaction type (e.g. communication style) and ideation (Yeh et al, 2016).…”