Suicidal Ideation Among International Medical Students Studying Medicine in Romania

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. S621-S621
Author(s):  
A.D. Buzoianu ◽  
C.A. Popescu
Keyword(s):  
International Students ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
General Population ◽  
Suicide Ideation ◽  
International Medical ◽  
European Countries ◽  
Research Subjects ◽  
Symptoms Of Depression ◽  
Competing Interest

BackgroundThe burden of mental health impairment in medical students is an important research subjects. Evidence shows that medical students have a higher prevalence of symptoms of depression and anxiety than the general population. A number of studies regarding suicidal ideation among medical students have been carried out, but this topic has largely been ignored in regard to international medical students coming from Western European countries studying medicine in Eastern European countries. Suicidal ideation is the early symptom of suicidal actions. The students are the most vulnerable and easily influenced by cases of suicide, especially in a closed group with little connections with the general population like the international students.ObjectivesFollowing 2 suicides in our university, we aim to measure the prevalence of suicidal ideations in international students.MethodsOverall, 150 medical students from the French section studying at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Iuliu Hatieganu”, Romania, were evaluated for symptoms of depression using BDI and for suicide ideation using Beck HS.ResultsSuicidal ideation was present in 28.57% of the French international medical students. Depression and the lack of social support had a significant relationship with suicidal ideation.ConclusionsSuicide is a serious issue that has to be dealt with immediately. It is important to assist medical students who are considering the possibility of committing suicide, so that they overcome their difficulties. There is a need to identify the prevalence of suicidal ideation among medical students and for student counselling.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Depression and suicide ideation in medical students

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. S595-S595
Author(s):  
A. Alonso Sanchez ◽  
A. Alvarez Astorga ◽  
H. De la Red Gallego ◽  
R. Hernandez Antón ◽  
S. Gómez Sanchez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
General Population ◽  
Suicide Ideation ◽  
New Instrument ◽  
Proven Efficacy ◽  
Patient Health ◽  
Academic Information ◽  
Competing Interest ◽  
Emotional Events

BackgroundMedical students have higher levels of depressive symptoms than the general population. Additionally, depressed students are more likely to commit suicide. Recent studies find up to 10% of medical students experiment depression and suicidal ideation, which is meaningfully higher than general population of similar age (5–8%). However, little is known about depression and suicidal ideation in medical students in Spain.ObjectiveThis study aims to create a self-administered questionnaire to investigate the prevalence and factors involved in depression and suicidal behaviour in medical students from a Spanish University.MethodsWe evaluated the main risk factors leaning to suicide in students. In addition, we selected an appropriate scale to assess depression among the existing ones. The evaluated items included demographic reports, academic information (academic course, unfinished subjects and accomplishment) and sanitary data (psychiatric family history, psychiatric personal history, psychotropic drug consumption, distress emotional events in the last twelve months and drugs consumption). Furthermore, we selected the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) because of its rapidly implementation and proven efficacy.ConclusionsRates of depression and suicidal ideation are high in medical students. Currently, there is no program to detect and prevent depression neither suicide in students. For that reason, we consider that creating a new instrument to evaluate mental health in student is useful in order to offer early detection and treatment at medical school.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

scholarly journals International medical student’s mental health: psychological distress and socio-cultural adaptation

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
H Hachemi ◽  
M Dimitrijević ◽  
J Stojanović ◽  
S Cvjetković
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
International Students ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Cultural Adaptation ◽  
Foreign Students ◽  
Well Being ◽  
International Medical ◽  
Depression Anxiety Stress Scale ◽  
Future Health

Abstract Background The greater academic mobility and globalization have introduced a substantial number of foreign students to more universities. The lack of recent studies about their adaptation and signs of psychological distress arose an interest about this relevant issue. Recognizing the factors involved in the adaptation process are vital for international students, especially medical, as they are considered the future health-care workforce. Ensuring their well-being is essential for consumers safety, satisfaction and raising quality at lower costs. Thus, the aim of this research was to explore the predictors of psychological distress including socio-demographic variables and socio-cultural adaptation Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted at the University of Belgrade School of Medicine, where 124 (65 males and 59 females) international students from 32 countries were interviewed using a socio-demographic questionnaire and psychometric tools such as Revised Socio-cultural Adaptation Scale (SCAS-R) and Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale (DASS-21). Statistical analysis included prevalence data and multiple linear regression. Results The prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress was found to be 39%, 55% and 41%, respectively. Maladaptation to a new environment by lack of participation in the community and focus on own interests were significant predictors of depression (β = −.39, p< .01) and stress (β = −.36, p< .05), while anxiety was associated with both female gender (β = −.30, p<.05), self-centration and absence of community involvement (β = −.37, p< .01). Conclusions There is a high prevalence of anxiety followed by stress and depression among international medical students. The results highlighted the importance of cultural adaptation for psychological distress. This shows a requirement for developing an adequate, accessible professional counselling and peer support services for foreign students that are necessary to achieve sustainable development goals. Key messages Encouraging researchers to further investigate the needs of international medical students. The development and implementation of health policies addressing student’s mental health.

Suicide Risk in Cancer Patients – Are We Prepared?

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. S667-S667
Author(s):  
M. Alves ◽  
A. Tavares
Keyword(s):  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
General Population ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Suicide Risk ◽  
Active Listening ◽  
Suicidal Thoughts ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Wish To Die ◽  
Physical Risk Factors ◽  
Competing Interest

IntroductionIndividuals with cancer are at increased risk for suicidal ideation and behaviour when compared to the general population. Suicidal thoughts are sometimes minimized and considered by clinicians as a normal reaction to diagnosis of oncological disease. Less severe forms of suicidal ideation, such a fleeting wish to die may happen in all stages of the disease.ObjectivesWe aim to highlight the cases of cancer patients that present an imminent suicide risk and its related psychopathological aspects, psychosocial and physical risk factors that may increase the probability of suicidal attempt.MethodsNon systematic literature review through the Medline and Clinical Key databases, with time constraints.ResultsIndividuals with cancer have twice the risk of suicide compared to the general population. It was found that suicidal thoughts are more common in patients with advanced disease, in hospital or in palliative care settings or in those who are experiencing severe pain, depression, cognitive impairment or delirium. The first months following the diagnosis are the period of greatest risk and the highest suicide risk occurs in men with respiratory cancers. Death by suicide occurs more often in cancer patients in the advanced stages of disease.ConclusionsAn appropriate therapeutic response should include empathy, active listening, management of realistic expectations and permission to discuss psychological distress. The first intervention should focus on determining imminent risk of suicidal behaviour and act for patient safety.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

scholarly journals Comparison of Cognitive-Affective Symptoms of Depression Between Cases of Low and High Suicidal Ideation in Medical Students

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 53-57
Author(s):  
Nuzhat Aisha Akram ◽  
Nazia Jameel ◽  
Bushra Iftikhar ◽  
Tahira Assad ◽  
Farhan Muhammad Qureshi
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
Beck Depression Inventory ◽  
Somatic Symptoms ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Symptoms Of Depression ◽  
Two Samples ◽  
Medical Colleges

Objective: To compare the severity of cognitive, affective and somatic symptoms of depression between two samples of medical students with high and low suicidal ideation using Beck Depression Inventory Study Design and Setting: This is a cross sectional study conducted in public and private medical colleges in Karachi from September-December 2018. Methodology: A total of 150 normal healthy students with 75 each from public and private medical colleges in Karachi were sampled through purposive sampling technique. Beck depression inventory (BDI) with twenty one items for depressive symptoms was used. Suicidal ideation was assessed using item 9 of BDI and participants were identified as having high and low suicidal ideation. Remaining twenty items of BDI were categorized as affective, cognitive and somatic symptoms of depression. Severity of each symptom was assessed through BDI score on a 4-point scale. Hypothesis testing for difference in BDI scores of depressive symptoms between high and low suicidal ideation cases was performed through independent sample t tests. Result: BDI showed significantly higher suicidal ideation in public medical colleges’ students. Cases with high suicidal ideation showed higher prevalence of five cognitive (past failure, feeling guilty, self-image, feeling of being punished, crying spells), four affective (sadness, irritability, decision making, self-dislike) and one somatic (physical health) symptoms of depression. Conclusion: Significant higher prevalence of affective and cognitive symptoms of depression was found among cases of higher suicidal ideation

A salivary biochemical analysis of certain recruits associated with suicidal ideation

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. S607-S607
Author(s):  
W. Xiaomei
Keyword(s):  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Statistical Difference ◽  
Biochemical Analysis ◽  
Suicide Ideation ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Early Screening ◽  
Biochemical Indicators ◽  
Competing Interest ◽  
New Recruits

ObjectiveTo explore the biochemical indicators of the persons at high risk of suicide.AimsTo achieve early screening of the persons at high risk of suicide.MethodsSuicide ideation of new recruits was generally investigated with self-rating idea of suicide scale (SIOSS). Twenty-five recruits whose scores were more than 12 were recognized as the suicide ideation group. Another 25 recruits without suicide ideation were randomly selected as the control group. Saliva samples of each group were collected for biochemical analysis after one month and three months. The SIOSS was used again for evaluation of suicide ideation.ResultsAfter one month, the concentrations of Ca, Mg, Amy and SA in saliva were demonstrated to be statistically different between the two groups. After three months, the concentrations of Ca, Mg, Amy and SA in saliva between the two groups showed no significantly difference. According to SIOSS results, only 7 persons of the original suicidal ideation group were recognized as suicidal ideation group, the other 18 people's SIOSS scores were less than 12. And the SIOSS scores of the control group (without suicidal ideation group) were also less than 12. There was no statistical difference in the three groups for comparison of salivary Ca, Mg, Amy and SA.ConclusionThe biochemical indicators l of saliva lack specificity for suicidal ideation screening.Disclosure of interestThe author has not supplied his declaration of competing interest.

Suicidal behavior among Portuguese psychiatry trainees: Comparison with the European situation

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. S63-S63
Author(s):  
J. Gama Marques
Keyword(s):  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
Suicide Ideation ◽  
Suicide Attempts ◽  
Active Form ◽  
Adult Child ◽  
Final Analysis ◽  
Burnout Syndrome ◽  
Adult Psychiatry ◽  
History Of ◽  
Competing Interest

IntroductionThe aim of this paper was to assess the prevalence of suicide ideation and attempts in Portuguese psychiatry trainees (adult, child and adolescence), and compare the data with the general population and other European countries.Material and MethodsA structured and anonymous questionnaire was sent by email to 159 Portuguese trainees of adult psychiatry, child and adolescence psychiatry with questions about personal history of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts, as well as family history of suicide attempts and completed suicides. This is part of the BoSS Study (Burnout Syndrome Study) performed in 21 countries worldwide. Data was analyzed in SPSS v.19.ResultsFrom the inquired population, 62 trainees (40.3%) partially responded, and 46 (29%) were complete responders - these entered the final analysis. There was a ratio of 2:1 (female: male) and a mean age of 29 years. The suicidal ideation was present in passive form in 44% and in active form in 33%; also, 4.3% of respondents had previous suicide attempts. In first-degree relatives, 22% had attempted suicide and 13% completed suicide.DiscussionThe results are worrying and may be associated with some factors to which this population is exposed.ConclusionIt is necessary further research to better understand this phenomenon, its causes and potential modifiers.Disclosure of interestThe author has not supplied his declaration of competing interest.

scholarly journals Nutrition education in medical school: the case of international medical students in China

2020 ◽  
pp. bmjnph-2020-000117
Author(s):  
William Kwame Amakye ◽  
Sladana Bozovic ◽  
Arafat Faraque ◽  
Maojin Yao ◽  
Jiaoyan Ren
Keyword(s):  
International Students ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Nutrition Education ◽  
Home Country ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
International Medical ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Nutrition Counselling ◽  
Lactating Mothers ◽  
Country Specific

ObjectiveTo assess the knowledge on country-specific nutrition situation, perceptions of the nutrition curricula and factors influencing capacity to offer nutrition guidance among medical students studying internationally in China compared with their home-country counterparts.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingsChina, Ghana, India and Montenegro.ParticipantsInternational medical students in China and medical students studying in their home countries of Ghana, India and Montenegro.Main measureAn online semistructured questionnaire was administered using WeChat for international students and Microsoft Forms for home-country medical students to assess students’ perceived knowledge and significance of nutrition, knowledge of country-specific nutrition situation, perceptions of the nutrition curricula and perceived capacity to offer nutrition counselling.ResultIn all, 190 medical students responded to the survey: 110 international students studying in China and 80 home-country students from Ghana (40), India (20) and Montenegro (20). Home-country students rated the importance of nutrition in health and disease development higher than international students (p<0.05). International students reported not having any specific nutrition courses while home-country students had nutrition courses as part of their curriculum. Only 8.2% of international students and 13.8% of home-country students were able to correctly mention any specific national nutrition guidelines of their home countries. Home-country students were more likely to provide correct nutrition recommendations for infants (χ²(3)=26.349; p=0.001), pregnancy (χ²(3)=9.793; p=0.007), lactating mothers (χ²(3)=9.112; p=0.011), diabetes (χ²(3)=13.619; p=0.001), hypertension (χ²(3)=12.022; p=0.002), overweight/obesity (χ²(3)=8.896; p=0.012) and undernutrition (χ²(3)=7.670; p=0.022) compared with international students. Practical nutrition courses, hours of nutrition education and how often students were asked nutrition-related questions tended to affect and predict the adequacy of nutrition education received and the perceived confidence for nutrition counselling.ConclusionInternational medical students in China are less familiar with the nutrition context in their respective home countries compared with their home-country counterparts. Medical schools in China that train significant numbers of international students need to support these students to become familiar with their respective countries’ nutrition contexts.

scholarly journals Reducing Stress and Promoting Social Integration of International Medical Students through a Tandem Program: Results of a Prospective-Program Evaluation

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (9) ◽  
pp. 1959 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne Herrmann-Werner ◽  
Florian Junne ◽  
Felicitas Stuber ◽  
Daniel Huhn ◽  
Christoph Nikendei ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
International Students ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Social Integration ◽  
International Medical ◽  
Ability To Work ◽  
Curricular Intervention ◽  
National Medical ◽  
Stress Levels ◽  
Medical Faculties ◽  
Reducing Stress

Medical students, and especially international medical students (IMS), have been shown to experience more psychological distress than the general student population in Germany. In order to address these issues, a structured Tandem Program (TP) to reduce stress and foster social integration of IMS has been introduced at the Medical Faculty of Tuebingen. The Tandem Program was evaluated prospectively with perceived stress (PSQ-20) as the main outcome. Secondary outcomes were ‘motives to participate’ in the TP, ‘specific stressors’, and ‘experiences made’ during the program. Stress levels of IMS at the beginning of the program (t0) (M = 48.14, SD = 11.95) were higher than those of German participants (M = 39.33, SD = 8.31) (t (67) = −3.66, p < 0.001). At the end of the TP (t1), stress levels of international students were significantly lower than at t0. “Improved ability to work in a team” was seen as one of the most beneficial factors. The results indicate that tandem programs at medical faculties may be a promising curricular intervention towards reducing stress levels, improving integration of international students, and to enhance intercultural and team-oriented competencies in both international and national medical students.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document