The Pooled Prevalence of Attributed Factors of Suicide in Iran: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Suicide poses a critical global public health concern, and distinguishing between suicides and suicide attempts underscores the need for targeted interventions. This investigation aimed to determine the pooled prevalence of factors contributing to suicide in Iran, including socio-economic, demographic, and geographical factors.

A systematic search was conducted across Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, SID, Magiran, Elmnet, ISC, Irandoc, and Noormags databases up to July 2023. We included primary observational studies of acceptable quality that examined the prevalence of factors contributing to suicide in Iranian regions. The findings were screened for eligibility and quality, followed by a review of selected articles, from which data were extracted and analyzed.

Out of 1646 initial articles, 68 were selected for review and 54 for meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence rates of contributing factors were calculated as follows: male gender (64.3, 95% CI: 62.6‒66.0%), age over 25 (57.9%, 95% CI: 51.0‒64.5%), under diploma education (73.4%, 95% CI: 62.1‒82.3%), employment issues (66.4%, 95% CI: 59.7‒72.5%), urban living (61.7%, 95% CI: 53.8‒69.1%), past medical history (8.5%, 95% CI: 4.9‒14.2%), past psychiatric history (20.7%, 95% CI: 15.5‒27.1%), past suicidal attempt (12.2%, 95% CI: 8.5‒17.0%), substance abuse history (28.4%, 95% CI: 20.1‒38.3%), spring season (29.8%, 95% CI: 26.7‒33%), and hanging method (46.1%, 95% CI: 41.6‒50.6%). Significant regional differences were observed in the prevalence of gender, age, and suicide methods between western and non-western areas.

This study describes key factors of suicides in Iran. Despite higher rates among those over 25, many young individuals are affected. Urban living and low educational attainment are significant factors. Moreover, notable regional differences were observed in gender, age, and suicide methods between western and non-western areas. These findings highlight the need for additional research related to record-keeping challenges and can guide Iranian health policymakers in developing strategies for screening and treating vulnerable individuals.