Socioeconomic, demographic, and occupational risk factors for suicide amongst males: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND

Suicide mortality remains a serious public health issue amongst adult males, yet there is a lack of comprehensive reviews addressing suicide risk with occupation and socioeconomic status in this selected population. This systematic review and meta-analysis synthesises data drawn from multiple countries, with the purpose of highlighting how these societal factors contribute to male suicide.

METHODS

Using PRISMA reporting guidelines, a systematic search was conducted across MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science for English-language studies published 1993 to 2023. Studies reporting individual-level data on employment, income, education, marital status and occupation associated with suicide of male adults were included. A total of 53 studies with data from 23 countries met the inclusion criteria.

RESULTS

Meta-analyses revealed the pooled prevalence of key risk factors in male suicide decedents were often unemployed (18.4 %), had a low education (40.5 %), never married (33.7 %), divorced (13.4 %), or widowed (7.3 %). The associated pooled risk ratios demonstrated elevated risks for suicide: 1.84 (95 % CI: 1.44-2.36) for unemployment, 2.27 (1.84-2.81) for being separated/divorced, and 2.69 (1.52-4.77) for low income. Occupational classifications revealed increased risks for suicide amongst males in skilled agricultural work (RR 1.90, 1.59-2.17) and craft and related trades workers (RR 1.56, 1.16-2.10). Meanwhile, being managers and clerical support workers presented to be protective against suicide in males.

CONCLUSION

Male suicide is closely linked to personal socioeconomic status and type of occupation. These findings highlight the importance of informed social policies and suicide prevention initiatives targeting males with socioeconomic and occupational disadvantages.