Suicidal behaviours and mental health disorders among students commencing college. (January 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ward, Caoimhe; McLafferty, Margaret; McLaughlin, Jonathon; McHugh, Rachel; McBride, Louise; Brady, John; Bjourson, Anthony J.; Walsh, Colum P.; O'Neill, Siobhan M.; Murray, Elaine K.
• Is Part Of: Psychiatry research. Volume 307(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-01
• Subjects: Student mental health -- Depression -- Suicidal behaviour -- Help-seeking; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- periodicals; Psychiatrie -- Périodiques; 616.89
• DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2021.114314
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0165-1781

Abstract

Highlights: University can be a stressful time for students, making them vulnerable to mental health problems. Higher prevalence of most disorders found in students in the Republic of Ireland. Students in Northern Ireland were more likely to be still receiving treatment for emotional problems. Risk factors for emotional problems included sexuality, age and gender. High levels of emotional problems found before students started university. Abstract: The increase in psychological disorders and suicidal behaviour in students is a reason for growing concern. Some may start university with pre-existing problems, while others develop problems during this time. It is important to evaluate mental health and wellbeing early, identifying those at risk. The aim of this study was to compare mental health problems and help-seeking behaviour between students in Northern Ireland (NI) and the Republic of Ireland (ROI). Whilst geographically proximate, the institutions span a cross-border region with distinct education and healthcare systems. First-year undergraduate students ( n = 1828) were recruited in September 2019 as part of the World Mental Health International College Student Initiative. Suicidal behaviour, mental health and substance disorders were investigated using the World Mental Health- Composite International Diagnostic Interview. Prevalence of disorders was high, with more ROI students experiencing problems than NI students. Students were significantly more likely to experience mental health problems if they were female ( p <0.001), non-heterosexual ( p <0.0001), and over the age of 21 ( p <0.0001). These findings show that many students are starting university with high levels of psychopathology and suicidal behaviour, highlighting the importance of early intervention which may need to be tailored to different student populations.