Global prevalence of suicide in patients living with HIV/AIDS: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: In fact, people living with HIV are at a greater risk of mental health disorders. Based on lack of necessary information in this area the present systematic review and meta-analysis study was conducted to determine the magnitude of committed suicides among HIV/AIDS people as well as their associated factors in a global setting.

Method: Firstly we registered the protocol of study in PROSPRO. Then the publications were searched in the 4 main databases from January 2000 to April 2022. After removing duplication and inappropriate studies we applied inclusion and exclusion criteria. Finally 60 studies were included for analysis. Comprehensive meta-analysis software were used for analyzing.

Results: After reviewing 60 articles published from January 2000 to April 2021 in 24 countries, the total prevalence rate of suicide among 61,904 patients was estimated at 0.249 (95 % CI, 0.2–0.306). Findings indicated that the highest suicide prevalence was related to single patients estimated at 0.257 (95 % CI, 0.184–0.347). A gender-based meta-analysis depicted that the prevalence of suicide/ suicidal ideation was higher among females estimated at 0.22 (95 % CI, 0.15–0.29) compared with men at 0.17 (95 % CI, 0.11–0.23).

Conclusion: Health planners and policymakers should develop suicide-prevention strategies aimed at female patients in younger age groups who live alone and are deprived of social support to effectively promote their self-efficacy in successful management of the disease. Integrating mental health services into anti-retroviral therapy for HIV/AIDS patients is also suggested in order to effectively design integrated programs for the management of individuals living with HIV/AIDS.

• Epidemiology and Determinants of Health
  • Epidemiology
• Population(s)
  • General HIV+ population
• Mental Health
  • Other