Factors associated with common mental disorders, suicidal risk, and stimulant use in college students

Abstract

Objectives: to identify factors associated with common mental disorders, suicide risk, and stimulant use among undergraduate students. Methods: a quantitative, cross-sectional, correlational, and analytical study was conducted with a sample of 190 students from a public university. Validated instruments were used for data collection, and logistic regression models were used for analysis. Results: 71.6% of participants tested positive for common mental disorders. Suffering losses during the pandemic was a risk factor for common mental disorders, and feeling satisfied with their life when accessing social media was a protective factor. It was found that 23.9% were at high risk for suicide, with a higher risk for those without religion, using non-prescription medications, diagnosed with a mental disorder, and consuming alcohol. Furthermore, 73.7% of participants used stimulants. Stimulant use showed no significant relationship with the variables analyzed. Conclusions: this research contributes evidence for promotion and prevention actions in academic mental health.