Publicação
Suicidal Behavior among Portuguese Medical Students - A Nationwide Study
| Resumo: | Background: Suicidal behavior among medical students is a critical public health concern, yet research in Portugal remains scarce. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of suicidal behavior among Portuguese medical students and identify associated risk and protective factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among students from seven Portuguese medical schools. Participants (n=638) were surveyed via validated instruments to assess suicidal behavior, childhood trauma, social support and mental health status, along with a sociodemographic questionnaire. Logistic regression analyses identified independent predictors of suicide risk. Results: A total of 638 students participated (Mage=22.4 SDage=3.3; 77.3% cis-gender female) in the study, with 43.9% (n = 278) classified as high risk for suicide (SBQ-R = 7). Suicidal ideation in the past year was reported by 31.7% (n = 202), and 2.7% (n = 17) attempted suicide. Independent risk factors included adverse childhood experiences (OR = 1.265, 95% CI: 1.088–1.471, p = 0.002), experiencing a serious illness or accident of a close person (OR = 2.167, 95% CI: 1.290–3.638, p = 0.003), and lack of psychiatric care (OR = 4.073, 95% CI: 2.524–6.573, p < 0.001). Protective factors included higher perceived social support (OR = 0.439, 95% CI: 0.332–0.581, p < 0.001) and better mental health status (OR = 0.962, 95% CI: 0.950–0.974, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Portuguese medical students exhibit a high prevalence of suicidal behavior, associated with multiple risk and protective factors. Lack of psychiatric care, adverse childhood experiences, and acute life stressors were key predictors of suicidality, while strong social support emerged as the strongest protective factor. The identification of predictive factors of suicidal behavior allows for early interventions of at-risk students and targeted prevention efforts. A medical education framework that prioritizes both academic excellence and student well-being is crucial to fostering a healthier learning environment. |
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| Autores principais: | Martins, José Rodrigo Costa |
| Assunto: | Medical Students Prevalence Protective Factors Risk Factors Suicide |
| Ano: | 2025 |
| País: | Portugal |
| Tipo de documento: | dissertação de mestrado |
| Tipo de acesso: | acesso aberto |
| Instituição associada: | Universidade da Beira Interior |
| Idioma: | inglês |
| Origem: | uBibliorum |
| Resumo: | Background: Suicidal behavior among medical students is a critical public health concern, yet research in Portugal remains scarce. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of suicidal behavior among Portuguese medical students and identify associated risk and protective factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among students from seven Portuguese medical schools. Participants (n=638) were surveyed via validated instruments to assess suicidal behavior, childhood trauma, social support and mental health status, along with a sociodemographic questionnaire. Logistic regression analyses identified independent predictors of suicide risk. Results: A total of 638 students participated (Mage=22.4 SDage=3.3; 77.3% cis-gender female) in the study, with 43.9% (n = 278) classified as high risk for suicide (SBQ-R = 7). Suicidal ideation in the past year was reported by 31.7% (n = 202), and 2.7% (n = 17) attempted suicide. Independent risk factors included adverse childhood experiences (OR = 1.265, 95% CI: 1.088–1.471, p = 0.002), experiencing a serious illness or accident of a close person (OR = 2.167, 95% CI: 1.290–3.638, p = 0.003), and lack of psychiatric care (OR = 4.073, 95% CI: 2.524–6.573, p < 0.001). Protective factors included higher perceived social support (OR = 0.439, 95% CI: 0.332–0.581, p < 0.001) and better mental health status (OR = 0.962, 95% CI: 0.950–0.974, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Portuguese medical students exhibit a high prevalence of suicidal behavior, associated with multiple risk and protective factors. Lack of psychiatric care, adverse childhood experiences, and acute life stressors were key predictors of suicidality, while strong social support emerged as the strongest protective factor. The identification of predictive factors of suicidal behavior allows for early interventions of at-risk students and targeted prevention efforts. A medical education framework that prioritizes both academic excellence and student well-being is crucial to fostering a healthier learning environment. |
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