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Assessing Prevalence and Unique Risk Factors of Suicidal Ideation among First-Year University Students in China Using a Unique Multidimensional University Personality Inventor

Author

Listed:
  • Ou Wu

    (Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou 310009, China
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Xi Lu

    (Mental Health Education & Counseling Center, Hangzhou Vocational and Technical College, Hangzhou 314423, China
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Kee Jiar Yeo

    (School of Education, University Teknologi, Johor Bahru 81310, Malaysia)

  • Yunyu Xiao

    (Department of Population Health Science, Weill Cornell Medicine, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, Cornell University, New York, NY 10021, USA)

  • Paul Yip

    (Hong Kong Jockey Club Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
    Department of Social Work and Social Administration, Faculty of Social Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China)

Abstract

Background: University students with suicidal ideation are at high risk of suicide, which constitutes a significant social and public health problem in China. However, little is known about the prevalence and associated risk factors of suicidal ideation among first-year university students in China, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Objectives: To investigate the prevalence of suicidal ideation and its factors in first-year Chinese university students from a vocational college in Zhejiang during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Using a cluster sampling technique, a university-wide survey was conducted of 686 first-year university students from Hangzhou in March 2020 using University Personality Inventory (UPI). UPI includes an assessment for suicidal ideation and possible risk factors. Suicidal ideation prevalence was calculated for males and females. Univariate analysis and multivariable logistic regression models were conducted, adjusting for age and sex. Analyses were carried out using the SPSS version 22.0 software. Results: The prevalence of 12-month suicidal ideation among first-year university students during March 2020 was 5.2%, and there was no significant difference between males and females (4.8% vs. 6.0%, x 2 = 0.28, p = 0.597). Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified social avoidance (B = 0.78, OR = 2.17, p < 0.001) and emotional vulnerability (B = 0.71, OR = 2.02, p < 0.001) as positively associated with suicidal ideation. Conclusions: Social avoidance and emotional vulnerabilities are unique factors associated with greater suicidal ideation among first-year university students during the COVID-19 pandemic. UPI serves as a validated tool to screen suicide risks among Chinese university students. Encouraging social engagement and improving emotional regulation skills are promising targets to reduce suicidal ideation among first-year university students.

Suggested Citation

  • Ou Wu & Xi Lu & Kee Jiar Yeo & Yunyu Xiao & Paul Yip, 2022. "Assessing Prevalence and Unique Risk Factors of Suicidal Ideation among First-Year University Students in China Using a Unique Multidimensional University Personality Inventor," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(17), pages 1-10, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:17:p:10786-:d:901418
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Gwenolé Loas & Alice Solibieda & Marianne Rotsaert & Yvon Englert, 2019. "Suicidal ideations among medical students: The role of anhedonia and type D personality," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 14(6), pages 1-12, June.
    2. Ren, Lixin & Hu, Bi Ying & Song, Zhanmei, 2019. "Child routines mediate the relationship between parenting and social-emotional development in Chinese children," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 98(C), pages 1-9.
    3. Hui Zhai & Bing Bai & Lu Chen & Dong Han & Lin Wang & Zhengxue Qiao & Xiaohui Qiu & Xiuxian Yang & Yanjie Yang, 2015. "Correlation between Family Environment and Suicidal Ideation in University Students in China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 12(2), pages 1-13, January.
    4. Alice Solibieda & Marianne Rotsaert & Gwenolé Loas, 2021. "The Interpersonal–Psychological Theory of Suicide in Medical Students: Comparisons of Individuals without Suicidality, Ideators, and Planners," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(21), pages 1-7, November.
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