To systematically review and meta-analyze risk and protective factors for suicide mortality among individuals aged 24 years or younger.
Approach:
Study Inclusion Criteria: Included primary studies employing case-control or cohort designs that quantitatively assessed risk and/or protective factors by comparing youths who died by suicide with living controls.
Search Strategy: Conducted a comprehensive search across multiple databases (MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Embase, CINAHL) for articles published until March 7, 2025, focusing on suicide mortality in youth.
Data Extraction and Analysis: Data were extracted on various factors, and studies were assessed for quality using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Factors were grouped into five domains for narrative synthesis and meta-analysis.
Key Findings:
Youth suicide mortality is influenced by a convergence of mental disorders and social adversity.
Previous reviews have focused more on suicidal ideation and self-harm rather than on suicide mortality.
No prior systematic review and meta-analysis has synthesized the breadth of risk and protective factors specifically for youth suicide mortality.
Interpretation:
The findings highlight the need for targeted prevention strategies that consider the specific risk and protective factors associated with youth suicide mortality.
Limitations:
The review may have limitations due to the variability in age reporting across studies.
Potential biases in the included studies may affect the generalizability of the findings.
Conclusion:
This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to inform prevention strategies by identifying key risk and protective factors for youth suicide mortality.
