Completed suicides and self-harm in Malaysia: a systematic review

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Global suicide research is concentrated in the US and Europe, despite Asia accounting for 60% of suicides.
• Limited research exists on suicide and self-harm prevalence in Southeast Asia, specifically Malaysia.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and synthesize existing literature on the prevalence and correlates of suicidal acts in Malaysia.
• To address the research gap concerning suicide and self-harm in a key Asian region.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was conducted across five databases up to February 2014.
• Included studies were correlational, survey, archival, or observational research on suicide and self-harm.
• Narrative synthesis was used to analyze data on completed suicides, self-harm, suicide attempts, and suicidal ideation.

Main Results:

• The annual suicide prevalence in Malaysia is estimated at 6-8 per 100,000 population.
• Suicide rates are higher among men, individuals under 40, and the Indian minority.
• Past-month prevalence: suicidal ideation (1.7%), plans (0.9%), attempts (0.5%); Past-year prevalence: suicidal ideation (6-8%).

Conclusions:

• This review is the first step in understanding suicide and self-harm in Malaysia.
• Significant heterogeneity was observed among the reviewed studies.
• Further research is needed on the antecedents, consequences, and interventions for suicide and self-harm within the Malaysian context.