Suicidal ideation amongst university students during the COVID-19 pandemic: Time trends and risk factors

Dr. Daniel Vigo and his coauthors analyzed 14 months of UBC student data to identify time trends in suicidal ideation over the first three waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada. 18.9% of students experienced suicidal ideation in the previous 30 days of survey response, and suicidal ideation was relatively stable over the course of the pandemic. Results also indicate that identifying as Chinese or another non-Indigenous ethnic minority, experiencing current symptoms of depression or anxiety, having a history of suicidal planning or attempts, and feeling overwhelmed but being unable to get help as a result of COVID-19 were risk factors for suicidal ideation. Old age was identified to be a protective factor.

 

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