Riesgo e ideación suicida y su relación con la impulsividad y depresión en estudiantes ecuatorianos

Abstract

Abstract: The purpose of this research was to measure the prevalence of suicidal ideation and risk and its association with depression and impulsivity in Ecuadorian university students. The study sample consisted of 325 university students. The research design is of a non-experimental type with a cross-sectional, descriptive and correlational approach. The instruments used were: the sociodemographic questionnaire (Adhoc), the Barrat impulsivity scale (BIS-11) and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). The results showed that 25% of the students reported suicidal ideation, in terms of depression, 44% have minimal or mild depression and in terms of impulsivity, 58% have medium levels. In relation to the correlations, a weak and significant positive correlation was obtained between impulsivity and suicidal risk (rho=0.39; p=<0.001) and a moderate positive correlation (rho=0.61; p=<0.001) between depression and suicidal risk. Finally, this research concludes that there is an association between the study variables, however, the relationship is stronger between suicidal behavior and depression. Therefore, it is important to consider these aspects in order to intervene appropriately, prevent suicide, and safeguard mental health in this population.