Relación entre la salud mental y el riesgo suicida en jóvenes universitarios

Abstract

Abstract:This research analyzes the relationship between mental health and suicide risk in university students in the city of Loja. A quantitative, correlational, and cross-sectional approach was used, with the participation of 400 students from the Faculty of Health Sciences. Validated psychometric instruments were applied to evaluate the variables: the Mental Health Inventory (MHI-5) and the Plutchik Suicide Risk Scale. The results revealed that a considerable percentage of the participants presented low levels of emotional well-being and a moderate to high suicide risk. Furthermore, a moderate negative correlation was found between mental health and suicide risk, indicating that lower psychological well-being is associated with a higher probability of suicidal behavior. The study concludes by highlighting the need to implement preventive programs in the university setting that promote psychological well-being, especially after the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of young people.