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Psychiatric Quarterly

Open Access 31-10-2024 | Suicide | Review Article

Global Overview of Suicidal Behavior and Risk Factors among General Population during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review and a Meta-Regression

Authors: Sriyani Padmalatha Konara Mudiyanselage, Yi-Tseng Tsai, Maithreepala Sujeewa Dilhani, Yi-Jing Tsai, Ya-Han Yang, Zan-Ting Lu, Nai-Ying Ko

Published in: Psychiatric Quarterly

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Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted mental health worldwide, leading to increased rates of suicidal behavior. This systematic review and meta-regression aim to investigate the global prevalence and risk factors associated with suicidal behaviors in the general population during the pandemic. The study included 202 articles from January 1, 2019, to October 31, 2023, sourced from databases such as Embase, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. The meta-analysis revealed a prevalence of 13.5% for suicidal ideation, 10.4% for suicide attempts, and a death rate of 0.5%, translating to 4.52 per 100,000 person-years. Significant risk factors identified include being transgender, young adults (18–44 years), unmarried status, low education, retirement, living alone, low social support, a history of suicide attempts, substance use, depression, anxiety, PTSD, sleep problems, poor perceived physical health, loneliness, quarantine, and residing in the Americas or multiple regions. The findings underscore the urgent need for targeted mental health interventions during pandemics, focusing on high-risk groups such as young adults, transgender individuals, those with low social support, and people with mental health issues. This comprehensive analysis provides valuable insights for policymakers and healthcare providers to develop effective strategies to mitigate the heightened risk of suicide during global health crises.
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Metadata
Title
Global Overview of Suicidal Behavior and Risk Factors among General Population during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review and a Meta-Regression
Authors
Sriyani Padmalatha Konara Mudiyanselage
Yi-Tseng Tsai
Maithreepala Sujeewa Dilhani
Yi-Jing Tsai
Ya-Han Yang
Zan-Ting Lu
Nai-Ying Ko
Publication date
31-10-2024
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Psychiatric Quarterly
Print ISSN: 0033-2720
Electronic ISSN: 1573-6709
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11126-024-10096-5