Variations in psychological disorders, suicidality, and help-seeking behaviour among college students from different academic disciplines.

BACKGROUND: Elevated levels of suicidality, ADHD, mental ill-health and substance disorders are reported among college students globally, yet few receive treatment. Some faculties and courses appear to have more at-risk students than others. The current study aimed to determine if students commencing college in different academic disciplines were at a heightened risk for psychopathology, substance use disorders and suicidal behaviour, and examined variations in help-seeking behaviour. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study utilised data collected from 1,829 first-year undergraduate students as part of the Student Psychological Intervention Trial (SPIT) which commenced in September 2019 across four Ulster University campuses in Northern Ireland and an Institute of Technology, in the North-West of Ireland. The SPIT study is part of the World Mental Health International College Student Initiative (WMH-ICS) which uses the WMH-CIDI to identify 12-month and lifetime disorders. RESULTS: Students from Life and Health Sciences reported the lowest rates of a range of psychological problems in the year prior to commencing college, while participants studying Arts and Humanities displayed the highest levels (e.g. depression 20.6%; social anxiety 38.8%). However, within faculty variations were found. For example, psychology students reported high rates, while nursing students reported low rates. Variations in help seeking behaviour were also revealed, with male students less likely to seek help. CONCLUSIONS: Detecting specific cohorts at risk of psychological disorders and suicidality is challenging. This study revealed that some academic disciplines have more vulnerable students than others, with many reluctant to seek help for their problems. It is important for educators to be aware of such issues and for colleges to provide information and support to students at risk. Tailored interventions and prevention strategies may be beneficial to address the needs of students from different disciplines.

COVID-19 vaccination rates in an antenatal population: A survey of women's perceptions, factors influencing vaccine uptake and potential contributors to vaccine hesitancy.

BACKGROUND: Pregnant women are at increased risk for severe COVID-19 and are a priority group for vaccination. The discrepancy in vaccination rates between pregnant and non-pregnant cohorts is concerning. AIMS: This study aimed to assess the perceptions and intentions of pregnant women toward COVID-19 vaccination and explored vaccine uptake and reasons for vaccine hesitancy. MATERIALS AND METHOD: A cross-sectional exploratory design was performed evaluating pregnant women receiving care in two metropolitan maternity units in Western Australia. The main measurable outcomes included vaccination status, intention to be vaccinated, and reasons for delaying or declining vaccination. RESULTS: In total, 218 women participated. Of these, 122 (56%) had not received either dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Sixty (28%) claimed that vaccination was not discussed with them and 33 (15%) reported being dissuaded from vaccination by a healthcare practitioner. Compared to vaccinated women, those who had not accepted vaccination were less likely to have had vaccination discussed by maternity staff, less aware that pregnant women are a priority group, and less aware that pregnancy increased the risk of severe illness. Unvaccinated women were concerned about the side effects of the vaccine for their newborn and their own health, felt there was inadequate information on safety during pregnancy, and felt that a lack of community transmission in Western Australia reduced the necessity to be vaccinated. CONCLUSION: Vaccine delay and hesitancy is common among pregnant women in Western Australia. Education of healthcare professionals and pregnant women on the recommendation for COVID-19 vaccination in pregnancy is required.

The Mediating Roles of Mental Health and Substance Use on Suicidal Behavior Among Undergraduate Students With ADHD.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of suicidal ideation (SI), plans and attempts, and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) among students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Furthermore, we explored the mediating effects of depression, anxiety, alcohol and substance use on the association between ADHD and suicidal behaviors and NSSI. METHOD: Participants were first-year undergraduate students (n = 1,829) recruited as part of the World Mental Health International College Student Initiative. Participants completed validated clinical measures online. RESULTS: The prevalence of suicide behaviors and NSSI were significantly higher among students with ADHD than those without. Mediation analyses indicated that ADHD directly and indirectly increased suicidal behaviors and NSSI. While ADHD increased suicidal behaviors and NSSI through depression, ADHD and the co-variates age and gender also had indirect effects on suicidal behaviors via substance use. CONCLUSIONS: Specific predictors of risk were identified for students with ADHD which may inform the development of more targeted mental health and suicide prevention strategies across campuses.

Suicidal behaviours and mental health disorders among students commencing college.

The increase in psychological disorders and suicidal behaviour in students is a reason for growing concern. Some may start university with pre-existing problems, while others develop problems during this time. It is important to evaluate mental health and wellbeing early, identifying those at risk. The aim of this study was to compare mental health problems and help-seeking behaviour between students in Northern Ireland (NI) and the Republic of Ireland (ROI). Whilst geographically proximate, the institutions span a cross-border region with distinct education and healthcare systems. First-year undergraduate students (n = 1828) were recruited in September 2019 as part of the World Mental Health International College Student Initiative. Suicidal behaviour, mental health and substance disorders were investigated using the World Mental Health- Composite International Diagnostic Interview. Prevalence of disorders was high, with more ROI students experiencing problems than NI students. Students were significantly more likely to experience mental health problems if they were female (p<0.001), non-heterosexual (p<0.0001), and over the age of 21 (p<0.0001). These findings show that many students are starting university with high levels of psychopathology and suicidal behaviour, highlighting the importance of early intervention which may need to be tailored to different student populations.

Depression, anxiety and suicidal behaviour among college students: Comparisons pre-COVID-19 and during the pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Many students struggle with psychological problems during their college years. These problems may be even more apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic with the accompanying restrictions and transition to an online learning environment, but few longitudinal studies have been conducted to date. The aim of this study was to compare symptoms of depression, anxiety and suicidality prior to and during the pandemic, and identify stressors. METHODS: This study was conducted among students attending Ulster University, Northern Ireland (NI) and LYIT, Republic of Ireland (ROI), as part of the World Mental Health International College Student Initiative (WMH-ICS). Data was collected from first year students in September 2019. The completed response rate was 25.22% (NI) and 41.9% (ROI) in relation to the number of first-year students registered. A follow up study was conducted in Autumn 2020, with 884 students fully completing the online survey in both years, equating to just under half of those who completed initially. RESULTS: High levels of mental health problems were found in year 1, especially in the ROI. Levels of depression increased significantly in year 2, particularly among students in NI, however, levels of anxiety decreased. No significant variations were found for suicidal behaviour. Several stressors were revealed, including increased social isolation, and worrying about loved ones. LIMITATIONS: The findings may not be generalised to other student populations. CONCLUSIONS: This study reveals variation in symptoms of depression and anxiety since the onset of the pandemic. In particular, the large increase in students with depression is of concern.