Relative frequency of suicidal ideation in students of Isfahan universities in 2005

Considering the high prevalence of suicide in the 15-24 years old age group, a ground for preventive interventions can be laid out by identifying the youth with suicidal ideation. The present study aimed to assess the relative frequency of suicidal ideation in the students of three universities in city of Isfahan in central part of Iran. In a descriptive-analytic cross-sectional study, relative frequency of suicidal ideation was assessed among 300 students aged 19 to 25 years studying at three universities in Isfahan, namely University of Isfahan, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, and Isfahan University of Technology in 2005. They were randomly selected proportional to size of male and female students in each university. We used World Health Organization’s standardized questionnaire for assessing mental health risk factors (STEP) comprised of demographic and suicidal ideation questions. Chi square test was used for data analysis using SPSS software. Thirty one students (10.33% 95% CI, 8.92%-11.07%) had suicidal ideation. Suicidal thoughts were significantly more frequent in male students of Isfahan University of Technology as compared with all other students (p < 0.05). Suicidal thoughts were also significantly more frequent in students residing in this university’s dormitories than its native students and also than students residing in other two universities’ dormitories (p < 0.05). Considering the relatively high frequency of suicidal thoughts especially in male non-native students, a further prospective study with a larger sample size seems necessary to identify risk factors and at-risk groups more precisely, as well as to plan a stepwise program to reduce such identified risk factors.