What Contributes to Depressive Symptoms And Suicidal Ideation Among International Students in Norway? A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Depression and suicidal ideation among students are increasing concerns worldwide, including in Norway. Notably, research focusing on the mental health of international students in Norway is scarce. This study aimed to explore the mental health challenges faced by international students in Norway, focusing on the relationship between interpersonal needs, depressive symptoms, and suicidal ideation using the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 210 responses. The survey gathered data on demographics, mental health service use, interpersonal needs (perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness), depressive symptoms, and suicidal ideation. Descriptive statistics, bivariate analyses, correlation, and regression analyses were employed to explore relationships between these variables. The results indicated that 65.7% of the students experienced significant depressive symptoms, and 30% exhibited severe suicidal ideation. Only 23.3% utilized mental health services, with 27.1% citing financial barriers as a reason for not seeking needed help. Higher levels of perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness were reported among older students, non-European students, and those residing in Norway for over three years. Regression analyses demonstrated that perceived burdensomeness, thwarted belongingness, and depressive symptoms significantly predicted suicidal ideation. Mediation analysis revealed that depressive symptoms partially mediated the relationship between perceived burdensomeness and suicidal ideation, and fully between thwarted belongingness and suicidal ideation. The study indicates that international students in Norway face significant mental health challenges. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions that consider specific demographic vulnerabilities, as well as a comprehensive and multifaceted approach to suicide prevention and mental health support.

Depression and suicidal ideation among students are increasing concerns worldwide, including in Norway. Notably, research focusing on the mental health of international students in Norway is scarce. This study aimed to explore the mental health challenges faced by international students in Norway, focusing on the relationship between interpersonal needs, depressive symptoms, and suicidal ideation using the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 210 responses. The survey gathered data on demographics, mental health service use, interpersonal needs (perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness), depressive symptoms, and suicidal ideation. Descriptive statistics, bivariate analyses, correlation, and regression analyses were employed to explore relationships between these variables. The results indicated that 65.7% of the students experienced significant depressive symptoms, and 30% exhibited severe suicidal ideation. Only 23.3% utilized mental health services, with 27.1% citing financial barriers as a reason for not seeking needed help. Higher levels of perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness were reported among older students, non-European students, and those residing in Norway for over three years. Regression analyses demonstrated that perceived burdensomeness, thwarted belongingness, and depressive symptoms significantly predicted suicidal ideation. Mediation analysis revealed that depressive symptoms partially mediated the relationship between perceived burdensomeness and suicidal ideation, and fully between thwarted belongingness and suicidal ideation. The study indicates that international students in Norway face significant mental health challenges. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions that consider specific demographic vulnerabilities, as well as a comprehensive and multifaceted approach to suicide prevention and mental health support.