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Suicidal behavior comorbidities in old adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Juliano Flávio Rubatino Rodrigues1, Lívia Peregrino Rodrigues2, Chittaranjan Behera3
1Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto (FAMERP), São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo Brazil; Faculdade de Medicina de Marília (FAMEMA), Marília, São Paulo Brazil; Unimed Bauru, Bauru, São Paulo Brazil.
Psychiatry Research
|November 21, 2025
Summary
Older adults with any comorbidity face increased suicide risk. Depression significantly elevates this risk, highlighting the need for targeted mental health interventions in geriatric populations.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Global populations are aging, increasing the prevalence of age-related comorbidities.
- Understanding comorbidities associated with suicidal behavior in older adults is crucial for public health.
- Suicide remains a significant concern in aging populations, necessitating research into contributing factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of comorbidities associated with suicidal behavior in older adults.
- To analyze the association between specific comorbidities and suicidal behavior in the elderly.
- To provide evidence for suicide prevention strategies in geriatric populations.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review adhering to the PRISMA 2020 statement.
- Meta-analysis of 41 studies (case-control and cohort) published within the last 10 years.
- Searched three databases from inception to October 2024, evaluating log odds ratio (logOR) for suicide behavior with comorbidities.
Main Results:
- The review included 35,361,882 individuals. Any comorbidity was associated with a logOR of 0.803 (p < 0.001).
- Depression was the most common comorbidity, showing a logOR of 1.16 (p < 0.001).
- Older adults with depression had 3.19 times higher odds of suicide attempts; those with any comorbidity had 2.23 times higher odds.
Conclusions:
- Depression is a significant risk factor for suicidal behavior in older adults.
- Findings underscore the critical role of addressing depressive symptoms in suicide prevention efforts for the elderly.
- Targeted interventions for depression are essential for reducing suicide rates in aging populations.
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