Fatemeh Sadat Asgarian, Sahar Bayat, Mohammadhossein Khorasanizadeh,
Volume 28, Issue 6 (1-2026)
Abstract
Introduction: Suicidal ideation is influenced by social, economic, cultural, biological, psychological, and environmental factors. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of suicidal ideation in the general population during the COVID-19 pandemic based on global studies.
Methods: All cross-sectional and cohort studies conducted on the prevalence of suicidal ideations in the general population during the COVID-19 pandemic were included in a systematic search of the following databases: Medlib, SID, Iranmedx, PubMed, Magiran, Science Direct, Scopus, and Web of Science, in English and Persian from 2019 to March 2023, without any restrictions. A random effects model was used for data analysis at a 95% confidence level to obtain a summary measure. Heterogeneity among results was assessed using the I² statistical test.
Results: In this review, 39 articles met the study inclusion criteria. According to the studies, the prevalence of suicidal ideations in the general population during the COVID-19 pandemic was 10% (CI: 0.09–0.12, 95%), and the prevalence of suicidal ideations was equal among women and men.
Conclusions: Assessing suicidal ideation is a primary indicator for predicting future suicidal behavior and provides vital insight into an individual's psychological distress and specific needs. However, when these thoughts are accompanied by clear intent and a concrete plan, the situation constitutes a psychiatric emergency and necessitates immediate and serious intervention.
