Determinants of Suicidality in the European General Population: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Close to one million people commit suicide each year, with suicidal attempts being the main risk factor for suicide. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to achieve a greater understanding of suicidality in the general population of Europe by studying associated factors and their statistical significance with suicidality, as well as the effect of the temporal moment in which suicidality is observed in a relationship. A search strategy was carried out in electronic databases: Proquest's Psychology Database, Scopus, PsycINFO, Medline and Embase. Odds ratios (ORs), publication bias, influential studies on heterogeneity and analysis moderators were calculated. Twenty-six studies were included after meeting the inclusion criteria. Factors statistically associated with suicidality are female gender, age over 65 years, unemployment, low social support, adulthood adversity, childhood adversity, family history of mental disorder, any affective disorder, major depression, anxiety/stress/somatoform disorders, tobacco and substance use, any mental disorder and body mass index. As a limitation, a high heterogeneity between studies was found. Factors associated with suicidality in the general population are relevant for understanding the suicidal phenomenon.

Keywords: death wishes; general population; risk factors; suicidal attempts; suicidal ideation; suicidal plans; suicidality.

Figure 1

Study selection process.