Substance use and suicidal ideation and behaviour in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review
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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.Substance use is consistently linked to suicidal ideation and behavior (SIB) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Addressing substance use is crucial for suicide prevention efforts in these regions.
Area Of Science
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Mental Health Research
Background
- Suicidal ideation and behavior (SIB) pose a significant public health challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where 75% of global suicides occur.
- Understanding the complex relationship between substance use and SIB is critical for developing effective suicide prevention strategies in LMICs.
Purpose Of The Study
- To systematically review and explore the associations between various forms of substance use and SIB within LMICs.
- To identify gaps in the existing literature and inform public health policy and future research directions.
Main Methods
- A systematic review of quantitative studies published between January 2006 and February 2016 was conducted.
- Searches were performed across five databases using keywords related to substance use, SIB, and LMICs.
- Methodological quality of included studies was assessed using the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network checklist.
Main Results
- A consistent positive association was found between substance use (including alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, illicit drugs, and prescription drug misuse) and SIB across all dimensions.
- Most evidence originated from upper-middle-income countries, with limited data from lower-middle and low-income countries.
- Research predominantly focused on alcohol and tobacco, neglecting other substances, and often employed cross-sectional designs with limited exploration of variable interactions.
Conclusions
- Substance use is a modifiable risk factor for SIB and its assessment and management are integral to patient care in LMICs.
- Reducing hazardous substance use is vital for suicide prevention in LMICs.
- Future research should be theory-driven, encompass all substance and SIB dimensions, and utilize advanced statistical methods.
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