Gender differences in suicidal behavior in adolescents and young adults: systematic review and meta-analysis of longitudinal studies

Miranda-Mendizábal, Andrea; Castellvi Obiols, Pere; Parés-Badell, Oleguer, 1987-; Alayo, Itxaso; Almenara, José; Alonso, Iciar; Blasco Cubedo, Maria Jesús; Cebrià, Ana Isabel; Gabilondo Cuéllar, Andrea; Gili, Margalida; Lagares, Carolina; Piqueras, José Antonio; Rodríguez Jimenez, Tiscar; Rodríguez-Marín, Jesús; Roca, Miquel; Soto-Sanz, Victoria; Vilagut Saiz, Gemma, 1975-; Alonso Caballero, Jordi

doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00038-018-1196-1

Gender differences in suicidal behavior in adolescents and young adults: systematic review and meta-analysis of longitudinal studies

Citation

Miranda-Mendizabal A, Castellví P, Parés-Badell O, Alayo I, Almenara J, Alonso I et al. Gender differences in suicidal behavior in adolescents and young adults: systematic review and meta-analysis of longitudinal studies. Int J Public Health. 2019 Mar;64(2):265-83. DOI: 10.1007/s00038-018-1196-1

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.