A descriptive mapping review of suicide in vulnerable populations in low and middle countries

Abstract

Introduction In 2016, low‐and‐middle income countries (LMICs) accounted for 79% of the global suicide deaths. In LMICs, vulnerable groups—women, sexual minorities and refugees, and internally displaced persons (IDPs)—are at high risk of suicidal ideation, attempts and deaths by suicide, but information for designing targeted interventions for them is fragmented and missing, making it difficult to address gaps in the existing system. This review highlights these gaps by mapping: (a) risk factors associated with suicides and suicidal behavior including challenges in implementing targeted programmes for vulnerable groups; and (b) recommendations for effective suicide prevention interventions and strategies in LMICs as documented in the literature. Methods A descriptive mapping review of literature was conducted. Three electronic databases—PubMed, Google Scholar, and Refworld—were searched for specific keywords. The researchers mapped and reviewed 34 studies on suicide and suicide prevention across three main vulnerable groups. Results This review highlighted the need for gender‐specific interventions for women and sexual minorities, addressing gender‐based discrimination, access to healthcare, abuse and violence, while for refugees and IDPs, critical concerns are monitoring and understanding suicidal behaviors and to address psychological and emotional responses to resettlement. Conclusion In LMICs, specific and unique socio‐cultural and environmental factors may increase the risk of vulnerable groups to suicidal behaviors. In order to develop effective and comprehensive suicide prevention strategies, it is crucial to evaluate these differential risk factors and develop culturally appropriate and sensitive interventions and strategies.

An analysis of age-standardized suicide rates in Muslim-majority countries in 2000-2019

“…According to Lester et al, gender inequalities may play a role in higher suicide rates in Africa and family power dynamics and domestic violence may contribute to this [ 41 ]. A narrative synthesis by Vijayakumar et al further suggested that the suicide rate among African refugees was higher [ 42 ]. As Africa is home to the largest number of refugees, suicide among refugees might be an important factor behind the increasing overall rate of suicide deaths in African countries.…”

Network analysis of depressive and anxiety symptoms in adolescents during the later stage of the COVID-19 pandemic

“…For instance, due to lockdown and school closures during the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020 [ 8 – 10 ], prevalence estimates of depression and anxiety were 57.0% and 36.7%, respectively, among adolescents in China [ 10 ]. Depression and anxiety account for 16% of the global burden of disease for adolescents worldwide [ 1 , 11 , 12 ] and are among the major contributing factors for disability, substance use, self-harm, and suicide behaviors among adolescents [ 13 – 16 ].…”

Suicidal attempts and self‐poisoning: 1‐year retrospective cohort study from the quaternary hospital in Thai metropolitan area

“…Because self‐poisoning is the leading cause of poison exposure in Thailand, 8 identifying the unique characteristics of patients is necessary to develop a tailor‐made multidimensional approach and suicidal prevention program in specific areas. 9 , 10 …”