J Korean Neuropsychiatr Assoc.  2007 Jan;46(1):35-40.

Suicide-Related Behaviors among the College Students

• Roh MS
• Jeon HJ
• Lee HW
• Lee HJ
• Han SK
• Hahm BJ

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
This study evaluated the prevalence of suicide-related behaviors (suicidal ideation, plan and attempt) and the status of depression, anxiety and function in college students.
METHODS
A cross-sectional study was completed to a sample of 880 students with the self-administered form of Korean version of the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (K-MINI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI).
RESULTS
Estimated lifetime prevalence of suicidal ideation was 39.2%, that of suicidal plan was 4.7% and that of suicidal attempt was 3.0%. Students with any suicide-related behaviors showed higher lifetime prevalence of major and minor depression, higher BDI and BAI scores, and poor interpersonal relationship, adaptation to college life and physical health compared to the students with no suicide-related behaviors. The average points of grades during their college life were not significantly different according to kinds of suicide-related behaviors they experienced (F=0.39, p=0.82). 96% of suicidal attempters did not use mental health services.
CONCLUSION
Results suggest that a high proportion of college students experience suicide-related behaviors. The students who had experienced suicide-related behaviors showed higher depression and anxiety and poorer function compared to students with no suicide-related behaviors. Most of suicidal attempters, however, did not use mental health service. Establishing campus mental health system is necessary to early detect mental health problems and to prevent suicide of college students.

Keyword

BAI; BDI; Depressive disorder; Suicidal attempt; Suicidal idea; Suicidal plan

MeSH Terms

Anxiety
Cross-Sectional Studies
Depression
Depressive Disorder
Humans
Mental Health
Mental Health Services
Prevalence
Suicidal Ideation
Suicide