Suicidal ideation in university students in Lithuania amid the COVID-19 pandemic: A prospective study with pre-pandemic measures

Death Stud. 2022;46(10):2395-2403. doi: 10.1080/07481187.2021.1947417. Epub 2021 Jul 9.

Abstract

We aimed to identify patterns of changes in suicidal ideation among university students six months after the COVID-19 outbreak, in comparison to the pre-pandemic suicidal ideation. Furthermore, we explored the links among these patterns and mental health indicators. 474 university students participated in the study in October-December 2019 and October-December 2020. The latent class change analysis revealed four groups: no-ideation (68.1%), stable low ideation (16.2%), increased ideation (8.9%), and decreased ideation (6.8%). Increased, in comparison to decreased ideation, was positively linked to changes in depression, stress, and anxiety. More loneliness during the pandemic was related to higher suicidal ideation.

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19*
  • Depression / epidemiology
  • Depression / psychology
  • Humans
  • Lithuania / epidemiology
  • Pandemics
  • Prospective Studies
  • Students / psychology
  • Suicidal Ideation*
  • Universities