Global prevalence of suicide attempts in older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Abstract
Background: Aging is a natural process encompassing both biological and psychological changes. Suicide is one of the most complex human behaviors, where one intentionally terminates their own life. Significant discrepancies in reported prevalence rates further highlight the need for a comprehensive study.
Objective: The present study aimed to estimate the global prevalence of suicide attempts in older adults using a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Information sources: The databases Embase, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science (WoS) were searched until February 2026.
Methods: The quality of the articles was assessed by Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklist. The I2 index was used to examine the heterogeneity of the studies, and a comprehensive meta-analysis was employed to analyze the data.
Results: An initial search yielded 10,806 studies, of which 21 articles, with a combined sample size of 99,197 individuals, met the inclusion criteria for meta-analysis. The global prevalence of suicide attempts in older adults was estimated at 5.6% (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 4.0-7.9%). The highest prevalence was observed in Europe at 17.1% (95% CI: 3.8-51.9%). Meta-regression results indicated that the prevalence of suicide attempts in older adults increased with larger sample sizes, study years, higher ages, and higher study quality (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: The results of this study show that the prevalence of suicide attempts among the elderly varies from 5.6 to 17.1. Therefore,…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 99,197 participants or records.
Read the paper
Related studies
- Understanding the factors influencing fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda J.E. Smith) damage in African smallholder maize fields and quantifying its impact on yield. A case study in Eastern Zimbabwe
- Alarming situation of emerging H5 and H7 avian influenza and effective control strategies
- Livestock and food security: vulnerability to population growth and climate change
- Atmosphere–ocean oxygen and productivity dynamics during early animal radiations
- Characterization of the global distribution and diversified plasmid reservoirs of the colistin resistance gene mcr-9
- The global seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in pigs: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.