Suicidal Ideation Amongst University Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Time Trends and Risk Factors

Examine time trends in suicidal ideation in post-secondary students over the first three waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada and identify subpopulations of students with increased risk.

We analysed 14 months of data collected through repeated cross-sectional deployment of the World Health Organization (WHO) World Mental Health-International College Student (WMH-ICS) survey at the University of British Columbia. Estimated log odds weekly trends of 30-day suicidal ideation (yes/no) were plotted against time with adjustments for demographics using binary logistic generalized additive model (GAM). Risk factors for 30-day suicidal ideation frequency (four categories) were examined using the ordered logistic GAM, with a cubic smoothing spline for modelling time trend in obervation weeks and accounting for demographics.

Nearly one-fifth (18.9%) of students experienced suicidal ideation in the previous 30 days. While the estimated log odds suggested that binary suicidal ideation was relatively stable across the course of the pandemic, an initial drop followed by an increasing trend was observed. Risk factors for suicidal ideation frequency during the pandemic included identifying as Chinese or as another non-Indigenous ethnic minority; experiencing current symptoms of depression or anxiety; having a history of suicidal planning or attempts; and feeling overwhelmed but unable to get help as a result of COVID-19. Older age was identified as a protective factor.

The general university student population in our study was relatively resilient with respect to suicidal ideation during the first three waves of the pandemic, but trends indicate the possibility of delayed impact. Specific sub-populations were found to be at increased risk and should be considered for targeted support. Further analyses should be undertaken to continue monitoring suicidality trends throughout the remainder of the pandemic and beyond.