Alcohol use and risk of suicide: a systematic review and Meta-analysis

J Addict Dis. 2020 Apr-Jun;38(2):200-213. doi: 10.1080/10550887.2020.1736757. Epub 2020 Mar 14.

Abstract

Objectives: Alcohol use has several consequences and is one of the variables that increase risk of suicide. This meta-analysis was performed using cohort studies to clarify the association of alcohol use and suicide.Method: Scientific sources were reviewed regarding the keywords. After screening, thirty cohort studies were identified for the meta-analysis. The analysis was performed based on the random effects and subsequent analysis of the subgroups, based on various variables.Result: Analysis of the results showed that there is a relationship between alcohol use and suicide. Risk Ratio (RR) between alcohol use and suicide was 1.65. In men, pooled RR was 1.56 with 95% CI = 1.20-2.03, and in women, the pooled RR was equal to 1.40 with 95% CI = 1.11-1.77.Conclusion: Overall, the findings indicate that alcohol use is a risk factor for suicide. Therefore, it seems that prevention and control of alcohol use can be effective in promoting mental health.

Keywords: Alcohol use; meta-analysis; suicide; systematic review.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Alcohol Drinking / epidemiology*
  • Alcohol Drinking / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Risk Factors
  • Suicide / psychology*
  • Suicide / statistics & numerical data