Risk factors for suicidality among college students: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background: Suicide is a leading cause of death among college students, but inconsistent data and a lack of meta-analysis make it difficult to identify and recognize the risk factors for suicidal ideation, planning, and attempts in this group. To gain a comprehensive understanding of previous research, this study summarized risk factors for suicidal ideation, planning, and attempts among college students through a review and meta-analysis.

Methods: We systematically searched six electronic databases from inception to May 18, 2024, to identify longitudinal studies of factors associated with suicidal ideation, planning, and attempts among college students. The effect sizes of the risk factors were pooled using a random effects model. Based on the results of the meta-analysis, we developed a risk prediction model for suicidal ideation among college students.

Results: Thirty-three studies involving 193,517 college students were included. This study identified 18 risk factors, such as sexual orientation and traumatic experiences, and identified two protective factors, namely, social support and positive coping. Suicidal ideation is considered an important precursor to suicide. This study developed a predictive model for suicidal ideation with the results of the meta-analysis.

Conclusions: This review demonstrated the importance of several risk and protective factors for suicidal ideation, planning, and attempts among college students. A predictive model was developed based on the results of this meta-analysis, thus providing novel insights for translating evidence into clinical practice.

Keywords: College students; Meta-analysis; Risk factors; Suicidality.