Latent class analysis of academic adjustment and mental health among Brazilian college students: association with depression and suicide ideation.

Abstract

Objective: Suicide is a leading cause of death among youth aged 15-29, with increasing rates of suicidal thoughts and behaviors through the years. University students facing challenges of early adulthood alongside mental health difficulties, are particularly at-risk. Effective prevention strategies are urgent, but knowledge gaps hinder intervention efforts. This study aimed to identify specific subgroups within Brazilian college students and examine their relationship with suicidal ideation (SI) and depression.

Methods: Using academic and mental health indicators from a cross-sectional national survey (n = 12,245), a latent class analysis was conducted to identify subgroups based on similar characteristics. Logistic regression was conducted to identify potential associations of identified classes with SI and depressive symptoms.

Results: Four distinct classes emerged: "ordinary", "psychologically distressed", "dissatisfied", and "binge drinkers". The "psychologically distressed" and "dissatisfied" subgroups were associated with a higher odds SI (OR=7.90, 95%CI=1.94-32.22; and 8.12, 95%CI=2.27-29.02) and depressive symptoms (OR=28.77, 95%CI=6.43-128.75; and 13.63, 95%CI=3.47-53.59).

Conclusion: Students facing academic adjustment and mental health issues are potentially vulnerable to suicide ideation and depressive symptoms. Universities must monitor the impact of academic life on mental health and identify at-risk students for appropriate support. Further research on suicide-related vulnerabilities can guide prevention strategies in educational settings.