FREITAS, D. A.; FREITAS, Daniel Alves de.
Abstract:
Suicide is a public health concern, especially among young people, and an appropriate approach
by health professionals is essential for prevention and intervention in these cases. This research
addressed different aspects related to the topic, such as risk factors, associated mental disorders,
social and psychological impact, in addition to discussing the importance of public policies and
effective interventions to reduce suicide rates. This study aims to investigate the approach of
health professionals and the views of students on the topic of suicide in public universities in
the city of Campina Grande - PB. To achieve this objective, a qualitative and quantitative
research was conducted through interviews with health professionals working in the city, in
which aspects such as the professionals' knowledge on the topic, the training received, the
resources available and the practices adopted in the reception and referral of individuals at risk
were investigated. Questionnaires were also applied to students from two public universities in
the city of Campina Grande: Universidade Federal de Campina Grande and Universidade
Estadual da Paraíba. The main results were: a) there is a stigma regarding mental health, which
acts as a barrier for university students to seek help; b) a considerable number of students avoid
seeking support from their network of friends at university; and c) anxiety was the most reported
problem. There is a need for urgent action to improve the support offered to students regarding
mental health by health professionals, professors, course coordinators and the various levels of
these Higher Education Institutions.
