Suicidal ideation and behavior in nursing students: an exploratory systematic review Ideación y conducta suicida en estudiantes de enfermería: revisión sistemática exploratoria

Abstract

Introduction: suicide is a growing public health concern, which is considered a complex multi-factor process which begins with suicidal ideation (SI). Objective: to develop a systematic literature review to identify factors associated with suicidal behavior and ideation in nursing students Methodology: exploratory systematic literature review based on the Arksey and O’Malley, 2005 review methodology. Results: 15 full-text articles published between 2015 and 2021 were selected; a remarkable increase since 2015 is evidenced, with the highest production concentrated in 2016 (31.25%). Thirteen emerging topics, which we called factors, were established: 1) place of residence; 2) academic responsibility; 3) psychological or psychiatric treatment; 4) marital status; 5) religion; 6) alcohol and psychoactive substances; 7) sex; 8) academic; 9) life and/or psychological skills; 10) age; 11) history of previous SI; 12) historical abuse and 13) measurment instruments. Conclusions: the identification and assessemnt of suicidal risk in nursing students is vital for detecting, managing, and preventing spectrum behaviors, incluiding suicidal ideation. The implementation of preventive measures is essential, as it has not been extensively studied.