Suicide, Depression and Anxiety Among University Students: Evaluation of a Community Health Intervention in a University Setting in Mexico

Abstract

Introduction: Young people are often affected by various mental health problems, requiring the implementation and evaluation of programmes to address these issues. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a community intervention in promoting mental health and preventing suicide, depression and anxiety among university students in the State of Mexico. Methodology: A pre-experimental quantitative study without a control group was conducted to determine the effect of a community health intervention. Non-probability sampling was employed based on the following inclusion criteria: being a registered student; being aged 18–29; and having responded to screenings before and after the community health intervention. A total of 178 questionnaires measuring suicidal behaviour, 168 measuring depression and 157 measuring anxiety were examined. Data analysis was performed using the SPSS-V25 program and a Student’s t-test for related samples. Results: The average age was 20 years, symptoms were more prevalent in women and the community health intervention did not result in a statistically significant decrease in CS (.458) or depression (.586). However, it did help to identify students in need of social and family support, as well as specialised care. The community health intervention indicated a statistically significant reduction in anxiety symptoms (.018). Conclusions: The university can implement mental health promotion programmes to contribute to suicide prevention and the alleviation of psychological distress. Participation from administrators and students, as well as inter-institutional collaboration, is required. The community health intervention improved young people’s access to public health services.