Addressing mental health: suicide risk in college students during the COVID-19 pandemic

• María Robles Urgilez

  Universidad de Guayaquil, Ecuador. / Universidad Católica Santiago de Guayaquil, Ecuador.

  https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5457-7102

• Ana María Viteri Rojas

  Universidad de Guayaquil, Ecuador.

  https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5279-0089

• Marco Antonio Calle Gómez

  Universidad de Guayaquil, Ecuador.

  https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2706-1554

• María Betancourt Ruiz

  Universidad De Guayaquil, Ecuador.

  https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8897-9297

• Jhony Patricio Hinojosa Grijalva

  Universidad De Guayaquil, Ecuador.

  https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3312-5275

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the mental health of college students. The prevalence and risk factors associated with suicidal ideation in university students during the pandemic were determined. The present study of an analytical and cross-sectional nature included 3938 students who participated and answered the surveys voluntarily and anonymously. To validate the affectivity of the questionnaire, exploratory factor analysis was used with a Cronbach's alpha greater than 0.70. The results revealed a prevalence of 10% of respondents with suicidal ideation during the study period, with 68% of the cases being women and 32% being men. It was found that economic problems, family inconveniences, physical abuse and the experience of the death of a family member due to COVID-19 increased the probability of presenting suicidal ideation (p < 0.05). In addition, it was observed that family problems also influenced the appearance of anxiety during the pandemic, which in turn was associated with an increase in suicidal ideation. These findings highlight the importance of addressing the mental health of university students during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ecuador. The high levels of suicidal ideation found emphasize the urgency of implementing suicide prevention programs and promoting emotional well-being in universities. In addition, the need to consider risk factors such as the impact of the virus on family and economic health is highlighted.

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