Suicide risk factors in nursing students: Depressive symptoms, academic burnout and academic efficacy after the pandemic

The present study analyze the prevalence and factors associated with suicide risk in nursing students in the post-pandemic context, considering academic burnout, academic engagement, and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress as predictors. through a cross-sectional and correlational study conducted in a public university in Northern Chile. with a168 nursing undergraduates’ sample. Validated instruments were administered, including the Beck Hopelessness Scale, the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale, the Maslach Burnout Inventory–Student Survey, and the DASS-21. Descriptive analyses, Pearson correlations, and multiple linear regression were conducted. A total of 11.31% of students met the predefined BHS threshold for elevated suicide-related risk. In the same sample, symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress showed high prevalence rates. Suicide risk was negatively associated with vigor and dedication, while positively associated with low academic efficacy and depression. The regression model explained 54% of the variance in suicide risk ( Adj.R² = 0.54; p < 0.001), with Depression ( β = 4.04), Vigor ( β = 0.63), Academic Efficacy ( β = 0.88), and the interaction between Depression and Vigor ( β = -0.69) being significant predictors in the model. Suicide risk in nursing students transcends traditional clinical factors, as it is shaped by the interaction between personal resources and mental health symptoms. These findings underscore the need for prevention and psychosocial support programs in nursing schools.