Prevalence of Suicidality in the European General Population: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objective:To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence and variability in suicidality in the general adult population of Europe between 2008 and 2017. Methods:Studies containing original data on suicidality were identified in five electronic databases. Point, 12-month and lifetime prevalences were calculated for various types of suicidality. Pooled prevalence rates were calculated using a random effects model. Subgroup analysis and multivariate meta-regression were also performed. Results:We identified 24 papers containing original data, which provided 97 prevalence rates for suicidality. The pooled point prevalence rate was 3.96% (2.37-5.56), pooled 12-month prevalence 2.9% (1.49-4.32), and pooled lifetime prevalence 5.55% (4.31-6.79). The subgroup analysis showed that lifetime prevalence figures for wishing to be dead and suicidal ideation were higher in areas with a population of less than 3,849 inhabitants and in Eastern Europe. Finally, the multivariate meta-regression showed differences with respect to the period and type of suicidality, lower and upper age thresholds, population size, and study area. Conclusion:Our data showed that approximately 21% of European individuals have wished to be dead at some point during their lifetime. Studies like this are necessary to highlight the need for efforts to prevent and intervene in suicidality.