Prevalence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors among individuals with mental disorders in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis of the past 25 years - Takeaways - MDSpire

Prevalence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors among individuals with mental disorders in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis of the past 25 years

  • By

  • Chaymaa Ghizlane

  • Imane Zougrar

  • Abir Benayad

  • Ossama Abdelaal

  • Oumnia Bouaddi

  • Imad Elbadisy

  • Byron Bitanihirwe

  • Saber Boutayeb

  • Lahcen Belyamani

  • Mathilde Husky

  • Mohamed Khalis

  • February 12, 2026

  • 0 min

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  • 1

    Mental health disorders affect approximately 970 million individuals globally, with suicide being the second leading cause of death among those aged 15-29.

  • 2

    Low- and middle-income countries account for 75.5% of global suicide cases, despite reporting lower suicide rates than high-income countries.

  • 3

    In Africa, suicide rates are higher than the global average, with approximately 11.5 deaths per 100,000 people annually due to insufficient mental health resources.

  • 4

    The prevalence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors among individuals with mental disorders in Africa is poorly established due to challenges in data collection and reporting.

  • 5

    This systematic review aims to provide pooled prevalence data on suicidal thoughts and behaviors in African populations with mental health disorders to inform policy and care.

Original Source(s)

Prevalence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors among individuals with mental disorders in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis of the past 25 years

  • by Chaymaa Ghizlane, Imane Zougrar, Abir Benayad, Ossama Abdelaal, Oumnia Bouaddi, Imad Elbadisy, Byron Bitanihirwe, Saber Boutayeb, Lahcen Belyamani, Mathilde Husky, Mohamed Khalis

  • February 12, 2026

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