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Suicide Attempts during Pregnancy and Postpartum: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Estel Gelabert1, Anna Plaza2, Alba Roca-Lecumberri3
1Departament of Clinical and Health Psychology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain. Estel.gelabert@uab.cat.
Maternal and Child Health Journal
|July 1, 2024
Summary
Perinatal suicide attempts (SA) are linked to several risk factors. Unmarried women, those without higher education, and individuals with mood disorders face increased postpartum SA risk. Smoking during pregnancy and prior suicidal behavior elevate perinatal SA risk.
Area of Science:
- Perinatal mental health
- Reproductive psychiatry
- Public health
Background:
- Perinatal suicide attempts (SA) pose significant risks to maternal and infant well-being.
- Limited understanding exists regarding the specific risk factors associated with perinatal SA.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and synthesize evidence on risk factors for suicide attempts in pregnant and postpartum women.
- To identify sociodemographic, clinical, and obstetric/neonatal factors associated with perinatal SA.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of studies from PubMed/Medline, PsycINFO, and CINAHL, adhering to PRISMA guidelines.
- Meta-analysis conducted for risk factors examined in at least three distinct samples.
Main Results:
- Unmarried women, those with no higher education, and women with mood disorders showed increased risk for postpartum SA.
- Smoking during pregnancy was associated with a higher risk of SA during pregnancy.
- Previous suicidal behavior significantly increased the risk of perinatal SA (during pregnancy or postpartum).
- Sample type (community vs. clinical) emerged as a relevant moderating factor.
Conclusions:
- This study provides a synthesis of risk factors for perinatal suicide attempts, extending previous research.
- Identified risk factors include sociodemographic, clinical, and obstetric/neonatal variables.
- Further research is crucial for improving early detection and intervention strategies for women at risk of perinatal SA.
