Gender differences in suicidal behavior in adolescents and young adults: systematic review and meta-analysis of longitudinal studies

Andrea Miranda-Mendizabal, Pere Castellví, Oleguer Parés-Badell, Itxaso Alayo, José Almenara, Iciar Alonso, Maria Jesús Blasco, Annabel Cebrià, Andrea Gabilondo, Margalida Gili, Carolina Lagares, José Antonio Piqueras, Tiscar Rodríguez-Jiménez, Jesús Rodríguez-Marín, Miquel Roca, Victoria Soto-Sanz, Gemma Vilagut and Jordi Alonso ()
Additional contact information
Andrea Miranda-Mendizabal: IMIM-Institut Hospital del Mar d´Investigacions Mèdiques
Pere Castellví: IMIM-Institut Hospital del Mar d´Investigacions Mèdiques
Oleguer Parés-Badell: IMIM-Institut Hospital del Mar d´Investigacions Mèdiques
Itxaso Alayo: IMIM-Institut Hospital del Mar d´Investigacions Mèdiques
José Almenara: University of Cádiz
Iciar Alonso: Morales Meseguer Hospital
Maria Jesús Blasco: IMIM-Institut Hospital del Mar d´Investigacions Mèdiques
Annabel Cebrià: Corporació Sanitaria Parc Taulí
Andrea Gabilondo: Osakidetza-Basque Health Service
Margalida Gili: University of Balearic Islands
Carolina Lagares: University of Cádiz
José Antonio Piqueras: Miguel Hernandez University of Elche
Tiscar Rodríguez-Jiménez: Miguel Hernandez University of Elche
Jesús Rodríguez-Marín: Miguel Hernandez University of Elche
Miquel Roca: University of Balearic Islands
Victoria Soto-Sanz: Miguel Hernandez University of Elche
Gemma Vilagut: IMIM-Institut Hospital del Mar d´Investigacions Mèdiques
Jordi Alonso: IMIM-Institut Hospital del Mar d´Investigacions Mèdiques

International Journal of Public Health, 2019, vol. 64, issue 2, No 14, 265-283

Abstract: Abstract Objectives To assess the association between gender and suicide attempt/death and identify gender-specific risk/protective factors in adolescents/young adults. Methods Systematic review (5 databases until January 2017). Population-based longitudinal studies considering non-clinical populations, aged 12–26 years, assessing associations between gender and suicide attempts/death, or evaluating their gender risk/protective factors, were included. Random effect meta-analyses were performed. Results Sixty-seven studies were included. Females presented higher risk of suicide attempt (OR 1.96, 95% CI 1.54–2.50), and males for suicide death (HR 2.50, 95% CI 1.8–3.6). Common risk factors of suicidal behaviors for both genders are previous mental or substance abuse disorder and exposure to interpersonal violence. Female-specific risk factors for suicide attempts are eating disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, being victim of dating violence, depressive symptoms, interpersonal problems and previous abortion. Male-specific risk factors for suicide attempt are disruptive behavior/conduct problems, hopelessness, parental separation/divorce, friend’s suicidal behavior, and access to means. Male-specific risk factors for suicide death are drug abuse, externalizing disorders, and access to means. For females, no risk factors for suicide death were studied. Conclusions More evidence about female-specific risk/protective factors of suicide death, for adolescent/young adults, is needed.

Keywords: Gender; Suicide; Suicide attempt; Adolescents; Young adults; Risk factors (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (23)

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DOI: 10.1007/s00038-018-1196-1

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