The Impact of Climate Change on Risk of Suicide Attempts: A Systematic Review with a Global Perspective The Impact of Climate Change on Risk of Suicide Attempts
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Abstract
Introduction: Climate change is a significant global trend that adversely affects health, particularly in vulnerable populations. Research shows that climate change and its risks have serious implications for mental health, especially regarding suicide attempts. This systematic review is the first to examine the relationship between climate change and suicide attempts in at-risk communities, aiming to provide robust scientific evidence for health planners and policymakers.
Method: This study followed the PRISMA guidelines. We retrieved English-language literature from databases like PubMed, Scopus, WoS, and Google Scholar until September 2024, using keywords related to climate change and suicide. After removing duplicates, two researchers independently reviewed the articles based on set criteria. In case of disagreements, a third researcher was consulted to finalize the selection. Article quality was assessed using CASP checklist.
Result: A total of 1,309 articles were retrieved, of which 20 were selected for inclusion. The studies covered a time span from 1998 to 2024, with the highest number of studies conducted in Australia (n = 5). The evaluations focused on the increased risk of suicide attempts associated with climate change, specifically examining risks related to drought, extreme temperature changes, humidity variations, flooding, wildfires, and storms. Among these, temperature changes were the most frequently studied, with 10 studies addressing this issue. Most studies indicated that climate-related risks contribute to an increased risk of suicide, with men and farmers being the most vulnerable populations.
Conclusion: As climate change and its associated risks become increasingly severe and frequent, we have aggregated and highlighted extensive epidemiological evidence of their impact on the risk of suicide attempts. These findings underscore the importance of supporting vulnerable individuals and communities and emphasize the need to enhance resilience and adaptability to climate change. It is crucial for the scientific community, planners, and policymakers to not only address the upward trend of global warming but also to consider evidence-based health interventions aimed at reducing climate-related suicide risks.
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