Prevalence of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts among refugees: a meta-analysis

Suicidal ideation and attempts are critical mental health issues for refugees, often exacerbated by factors like mental illness, poverty, and stressful life events. This meta-analysis explores the prevalence of suicidal thoughts and attempts among refugees in non-clinical settings. Method: A search of PubMed, Web of Science, PubPsych, and PsycInfo identified studies on suicidal ideation and attempts in refugees aged 16 and older. Studies published in English before August 2020 were included, while those on long-term immigrants, children, or clinical populations were excluded. Prevalence rates were calculated using Rstudio. Results: Out of 294 studies, 11 met the inclusion criteria. The overall prevalence of suicidal ideation was 20.5%, with 22.3% in women and 27.7% in men. Suicide attempts had a prevalence of 0.57%. Conclusion: There is a lack of robust data on suicidal behaviors in refugees, but the high rate of suicidal ideation suggests significant psychological distress. Suicide attempt rates are comparable to those in non-refugee populations. The considerable variability in the studies calls for caution in interpretation and highlights the need for standardized approaches to assessment and care.

How it relates to patient: This patient’s situation mirrors some of the challenges faced by refugees, as described in the meta-analysis on suicidal ideation and attempts. Like many refugees, she is experiencing significant psychosocial stressors, including immigration-related difficulties, separation from family, and lack of social support. These factors, along with recent insomnia and feelings of isolation, likely contribute to her suicidal thoughts. Her struggle to adapt to a new country, combined with employment difficulties and missing her children, places her at higher risk for mental health distress, a pattern observed in refugee populations. As with refugees, her emotional burden may be compounded by the lack of strong support networks and challenges in accessing appropriate mental health care.

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https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-022-13029-8