ABSTRACT
Objective:
To verify the existence of an association between suicidal ideation, social support, and anxious-depressive symptoms among Health Sciences students.
Method:
Quantitative, cross-sectional study. Data collection took place from November 2020 to July 2021 in Sergipe - Brazil, using the Sociodemographic Questionnaire, Suicidal Ideation Questionnaire, Satisfaction with Social Support Scale, and Anxiety, Depression, and Stress Scale. Simple and multiple linear regression coefficients and odds ratios were estimated.
Results:
Of the 190 interviewees, 57 (30%) had low satisfaction with social support, 66 (34.8%) reported symptoms of severe or very severe depression, 32 (16.8%) had a potential risk of suicide, which can be increased by 18% in people with depression.
Conclusion:
Stress, anxiety, and depression are risk factors for suicidal ideation in health students. Social support becomes an ally in emotional control, in the reduction of psychological suffering, and in the precipitation of mental disorders in students.
KEYWORDS:
Students, Health Occupations; Mental Health; Suicidal Ideation; Depression; Social Support
HIGHLIGHTS
Suicidal ideation is associated with symptoms of depression.
30% of students showed low satisfaction with social support.
49% of the students had severe/very severe levels of anxiety.
Social support is an ally in the fight against suicide.