Correlation Between Suicidal Behavior and Depression, Anxiety, Stress Levels and Sociodemographic Characteristics in University Students

Aim: Studies conducted on university students have reported high levels of depression, anxiety and stress as well as suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts. This study aimed to determine the correlation between suicidal behavior and depression, anxiety, stress levels and sociodemographic characteristics in university students. Method: Participants who agreed to participate in this online study were asked to fill in the sociodemographic data form and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21). Among the 530 participants, 517 (97.6%), having read information about the study, agreed to participate, while 13 (2.4%) declined. Results: In this study, 36% of the participating university students had a history of major suicidal ideation, 6.4% currently experienced major suicidal ideation and 14.7% had attempted suicide. Depression, anxiety and stress scores were found to be higher in university students who had attempted suicide or currently experienced major suicidal ideation compared to those who had/did not (p≤0.001). With regard to sociodemographic factors; perceived and actual academic performance levels, socioeconomic status, current dieting status, sleep problems, smoking, daily time spent online, chronic diseases, and past or current psychiatric treatment were found to be common risk factors for both current major suicidal ideation and suicide attempt status (p≤0.05). Conclusion: Having found high levels of depression, anxiety and stress among university students in this study, we consider that it is necessary to investigate the factors associated with suicidal ideation and suicide attempts, and that comprehensive psychosocial support units and programs should be developed to protect students' mental health and reduce risk of suicide.