Prevalence and associated factors of suicidal ideation among college students during the COVID-19 pandemic in China: a 3-wave repeated survey

Abstract

Objective The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, a major public health crisis, harms individuals’ mental health. This 3-wave repeated survey aimed to examine the prevalence and correlates of suicidal ideation at different stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in a large sample of college students in China. Methods Using a repeated cross-sectional survey design, we conducted 3 online surveys of college students during the COVID-19 pandemic at 22 universities in Guandong, China. The 3 surveys were conducted during the outbreak period (T1: 3 February to 10 February 2020, N = 164,101), remission period (T2: 24 March to 3 April 2020, N = 148,384), and normalized prevention and control period (T3: 1 June to 15 June 2020, N = 159,187). Suicidal ideation was measured by the ninth item of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. A range of suicide-related factors was assessed, including sociodemographic characteristics, depression, anxiety, insomnia, pre-existing mental health problems, and COVID-19-related factors. Results The prevalence of suicidal ideation was 8.5%, 11.0% and 12.6% at T1, T2, and T3, respectively. Male sex (aOR: 1.35–1.44, Ps < 0.001), poor self-perceived mental health (aOR: 2.25–2.81, Ps < 0.001), mental diseases (aOR: 1.52–2.09, P < 0.001), prior psychological counseling (aOR: 1.23–1.37, Ps < 0.01), negative perception of the risk of the COVID-19 epidemic (aOR: 1.14–1.36, Ps < 0.001), depressive symptoms (aOR: 2.51–303, Ps < 0.001) and anxiety symptoms (aOR: 1.62–101.11, Ps < 0.001) were associated with an increased risk of suicidal ideation. Conclusion Suicidal ideation appeared to increase during the COVID-19 pandemic remission period among college students in China. Multiple factors, especially mental health problems, are associated with suicidal ideation. Psychosocial interventions should be implemented during and after the COVID-19 pandemic to reduce suicide risk among college students.

Trajectory of suicidal ideation among medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic: the role of childhood trauma

“…On the other hand, medical students' SI scores and prevalence rates were higher during the pandemic than before. A significant increase in the prevalence of SI among the university student population was commonly reported during the pandemic [49][50][51].The COVID-19 pandemic had a lasting negative impact, with a range of problems brought about by the epidemic, such as restricted activities, limited social and interpersonal interactions, changes in study styles, and possible financial family economic stress. University students' lack of experience in coping with sudden and serious public health events (e.g.…”

Association of Workplace Bullying with Suicide Ideation and Attempt Among Chinese Nurses During the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Fifth, our study lacked measures of variables related to the COVID-19 pandemic, such as experience fighting the outbreak in a high-risk area, working closely with patients with COVID-19, infection of one or more family members or colleagues with COVID-19, the experience of quarantine in a hotel or at home, personal perceptions of or attitudes toward COVID-19, reduced social activities, overwork due to staffing shortages, and lack of medical necessities. Studies have shown that these variables may be associated with suicide ideation and attempts (Farooq et al, 2021 ; Hong et al, 2021 ; Liang et al, 2022 ). Future studies should consider these covariates when examining the association between workplace factors, such as workplace bullying, and nurse suicide to estimate their relationship more accurately.…”

Epidemiology of suicide and suicide attempts in Jahrom district, Southern Iran in light of COVID pandemic: A prospective observational study

“…The causes of suicide in various countries, cultures, climates, ethnicities, and additional time conditions, especially in crises, due to differences in management control policies, can be different 21,22 . According to the WHO, only 38 countries have a national strategy for suicide prevention.…”

“…[17][18][19][20] The causes of suicide in various countries, cultures, climates, ethnicities, and additional time conditions, especially in crises, due to differences in management control policies, can be different. 21,22 According to the WHO, only 38 countries have a national strategy for suicide prevention. The death rate for suicide reflects the 3.4 goals of the Sustainable Development Goals via 2030 to decrease premature deaths from noncommunicable diseases by one-third.…”