SUICIDAL BEHAVIORS AMONG INDIGENOUS PEOPLES: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF PREVALENCE, RISK, AND PROTECTIVE FACTORS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56238/levv16n54-111Keywords:
Indigenous Peoples, Suicide, Risk Factors, Protective Factors, Mental Health, Systematic ReviewAbstract
Suicide constitutes a serious public health challenge and disproportionately affects indigenous peoples in different regions of the world. This systematic review analyzed studies published between 2008 and 2023, aiming to identify the prevalence of suicidal behaviors and associated risk and protective factors. The search in seven databases resulted in 6,530 records, of which 11 met the inclusion criteria. The studies encompassed indigenous populations from North America, Central America, South America, Oceania, and Asia. The prevalence of suicidal ideation ranged from 9% to 48%, and the prevalence of attempts from 3% to 22%. Among the main risk factors were mental disorders, alcohol and drug use, poverty, discrimination, violence, incarceration, and cultural loss. Protective factors included family and community support, strengthened cultural identity, spirituality, and culturally sensitive healthcare. The results reinforce the need for integrated, culturally appropriate, and health equity-based preventive policies and strategies.
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