Persistence and Incidence of Suicidal Ideation Among LGBTQ+ University Students

This study examined the suicidal ideation (SI) persistence and incidence among university students based on sexual orientation and gender identity over a one-year follow-up period. It also explored whether feelings of loneliness mediated these associations. A total of 2,620 students from five Chilean universities completed a survey during their first year of university, which included questions on lifetime SI, sociodemographic information, and feelings of loneliness. SI in the past 12 months was assessed during the second year. Data were analyzed using logistic regression and mediation models. At one-year follow-up, 65.1% of students who initially reported SI continued to experience it. Non-heterosexual (adjusted Odds Ratio [aOR] = 1.80) and transgender (aOR = 2.72) students had significantly higher odds of SI persistence compared to their heterosexual and cisgender peers. The SI incidence at 12-month follow-up was 12.8%, with no statistically significant differences observed by sexual orientation after adjustment. Feelings of loneliness during the first year mediated the association between sexual orientation and SI persistence, as well as between gender identity and SI persistence, at follow-up. These findings highlight disparities in SI persistence by sexual orientation and gender identity and underscore the role of loneliness in the maintenance of SI.