Abstract
ABSTRACTObjective:to investigate attitudes related to suicidal behavior and associated factors, among students in the last year of an undergraduate nursing course. Methods:a cross-sectional study with 111 nursing students from a Brazilian educational institution. The data were collected in 2017, by self-administration of a questionnaire with sociodemographic characteristics, and the Suicide Behavior Attitude Questionnaire, which were analyzed by descriptive statistics, comparison of means, and correlation tests. Results:most of the nursing students had contact with someone with suicidal behavior, but did not have education related to the subject. The most negative attitudes were associated with the female sex, lack of materials on suicide prevention, and lower self-perception of professional competence. Suicidal thoughts throughout life were associated with the contact with someone with suicidal behavior, and less moralistic/condemnatory attitudes. Conclusion:investigations and interventions are necessary for academic qualification and prevention of suicidal behavior.
Highlights
Suicide is considered a serious global issue that needs to be prioritized by public policies and health agendas
This paper presents as a differential, a sample using the students in the last year of nursing undergraduation course, a period that is characterized by concluding the academic education, and by recent exposure to different knowledge addressed in the undergraduate course
The literature reveals that Brazilian nursing students have low educational exposure related to suicide[7], do not always read about suicide prevention on their own initiative, and prioritize revising subjects discussed in the undergraduate course tests[11]
Summary
Suicide is considered a serious global issue that needs to be prioritized by public policies and health agendas. Brazil occupies the eighth position in suicide numbers in the Americas. Most deaths from suicide are considered avoidable, but the topic is complex, stigmatized, and insufficiently understood[1]. Nurses have an important role in suicide prevention . The literature has shown association between negative attitudes related to suicide, unprepared professionals, stigma, discrimination, and inadequate quality of care[5]. Knowledge about these issues is still limited[6], especially among nursing students
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