Published in:
Open Access
01-03-2019 | Suicide | Review
Gender differences in suicidal behavior in adolescents and young adults: systematic review and meta-analysis of longitudinal studies
Authors:
Andrea Miranda-Mendizabal, Pere Castellví, Oleguer Parés-Badell, Itxaso Alayo, José Almenara, Iciar Alonso, Maria Jesús Blasco, Annabel Cebrià, Andrea Gabilondo, Margalida Gili, Carolina Lagares, José Antonio Piqueras, Tiscar Rodríguez-Jiménez, Jesús Rodríguez-Marín, Miquel Roca, Victoria Soto-Sanz, Gemma Vilagut, Jordi Alonso
Published in:
International Journal of Public Health
|
Issue 2/2019
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Abstract
Objectives
To assess the association between gender and suicide attempt/death and identify gender-specific risk/protective factors in adolescents/young adults.
Methods
Systematic review (5 databases until January 2017). Population-based longitudinal studies considering non-clinical populations, aged 12–26 years, assessing associations between gender and suicide attempts/death, or evaluating their gender risk/protective factors, were included. Random effect meta-analyses were performed.
Results
Sixty-seven studies were included. Females presented higher risk of suicide attempt (OR 1.96, 95% CI 1.54–2.50), and males for suicide death (HR 2.50, 95% CI 1.8–3.6). Common risk factors of suicidal behaviors for both genders are previous mental or substance abuse disorder and exposure to interpersonal violence. Female-specific risk factors for suicide attempts are eating disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, being victim of dating violence, depressive symptoms, interpersonal problems and previous abortion. Male-specific risk factors for suicide attempt are disruptive behavior/conduct problems, hopelessness, parental separation/divorce, friend’s suicidal behavior, and access to means. Male-specific risk factors for suicide death are drug abuse, externalizing disorders, and access to means. For females, no risk factors for suicide death were studied.
Conclusions
More evidence about female-specific risk/protective factors of suicide death, for adolescent/young adults, is needed.