Risk factors for suicide among children and adolescents in Arab countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis
<h3 dir="ltr">Objective</h3><p dir="ltr">To investigate the risk factors associated with suicide among children and adolescents in Arab countries. </p><h3 dir="ltr">Study</h3><p dir="ltr">design A systematic review and...
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2025
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| Summary: | <h3 dir="ltr">Objective</h3><p dir="ltr">To investigate the risk factors associated with suicide among children and adolescents in Arab countries. </p><h3 dir="ltr">Study</h3><p dir="ltr">design A systematic review and meta-analysis. </p><h3 dir="ltr">Methods</h3><p dir="ltr">A literature search of PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science was conducted till May 2025. Using STATA version 18, a meta-analysis of proportions was conducted to estimate pooled prevalence rates with 95 % confidence intervals (CIs), using a random-effects model. </p><h3 dir="ltr">Results</h3><p dir="ltr">A total of 21 studies conducted across various Arab countries were included, the majority of which were cross-sectional. The most prevalent risk factors were low self-esteem (49 %), family conflict (31 %), psychiatric disorders (28 %), bullying (24 %), and psychosocial problems (24 %). The pooled prevalence of suicidal ideation and attempts was 22 % and 10 %, respectively. Self-poisoning (58 %) and hanging (38 %) were the most common suicide methods. Substantial heterogeneity was observed across analyses. </p><h3 dir="ltr">Conclusions</h3><p dir="ltr">Suicide among Arab youth represents a significant and underrecognized public health challenge, driven by psychological, familial, and social stressors. Strengthening culturally tailored mental health services and school-based prevention strategies is urgently needed to address this growing crisis.</p><h2 dir="ltr">Other Information</h2><p dir="ltr">Published in: Public Health<br>License: <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" target="_blank">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a><br>See article on publisher's website: <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.puhe.2025.106038" target="_blank">https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.puhe.2025.106038</a></p> |
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