Prevalence of suicidal behavior and the factors associated with suicidal ideation among medical students at the University of Pernambuco
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25118/2763-9037.2026.v16.1594Keywords:
cross-sectional studies, medical schools, suicidal ideation, prevalence, suicide attempted, suicideAbstract
Introduction: Medical training is characterized by an extensive workload, a high level of academic demands, and deprivation of leisure, thereby exposing students to an unhealthy environment. Suicide has emerged as a serious problem, being the third leading cause of death among adolescents and young adults and is frequently associated with mental disorders and academic pressure. Therefore, medical students undeniably constitute a high-risk group. Objective: Evaluate the prevalence of suicidal behaviour and its association with sociodemographic and psychopathological factors among medical students at the Santo Amaro campus of the University of Pernambuco. Methods: This is a cross-sectional analytical survey study conducted with 196 students between October and December 2024. Data were collected through an electronic questionnaire addressing sociodemographic and psychopathological variables using the PHQ-9, GAD-7, ASSIST, and QCS-R scales. Logistic regression models were used to assess associations. The students signed the Informed Consent Form. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the HUOC/PROCAPE Hospital Complex, registration number 6943466, CAAE Plataforma Brasil 79991624.0.0000.5192. Results: Analysis of suicidal behaviour revealed a prevalence of suicidal ideation of 25% (95% CI: 19,1–31,1%) in the past 12 months and a lifetime prevalence of suicide attempts of 2,6% (95% CI: 0,83–5,85%). Sociodemographic factors showed no statistically significant associations. A significant association was found between suicidal ideation and depression. Conclusions: The findings of this study, together with national literature, indicate the need for the maintenance and improvement of protective and preventive measures related to suicidal behaviour.
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