Non-suicidal self-injurious behavior in students of Russian universities: the results of an online survey of 3,925 subjects

Objective. To assess the prevalence of non-suicidal self-injurious behavior (NSSIB) among students of Russian universities and identify associations of various characteristics of NSSP with socio-demographic factors. Material and methods. A cross-sectional screening study was conducted using an anonymous online questionnaire. The study sample consisted of 3.925 students from various regions of the Russian Federation (3.266 (83.2%) females, with a median (Q1—Q3) age of 18—22 years). The Inventory of Statements About Self-Injury (ISAS) was used to assess the characteristics of the NSSIB. Regression models were used to simultaneously assess the effect of social and demographic characteristics on the frequency of NSSIB prevalence and its characteristics. Results. Approximately one-third of all respondents (29.3%) reported experiencing NSSIB at some point in their lifetime. The most common NSSIB was self-cutting, and the most pronounced motive was «affect regulation». Women were more likely to demonstrate NSSIB (odds ratio (OR)=1.619), as well as living in a metropolis (Moscow or St. Petersburg; OR=5.917). Older age was associated with a decrease in NSSIB (for each year, OR=0.963). Discussion. The data obtained indicate the susceptibility of students of Russian universities to NSSIB and can serve as a basis for the development and implementation of targeted preventive interventions to reduce the prevalence of mental disorders and suicidal risk among students.