Suicidal ideation during the perinatal period: An umbrella review of prevalence and risk factors

Abstract

The perinatal period involves significant psychological changes that increase women's vulnerability to mental health disorders, including suicidal ideation. This umbrella review, registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024596880), aimed to synthesize evidence on the prevalence of suicidal ideation during this period and its associated risk factors. A search was conducted up to November 2024. Systematic reviews focusing on suicidal ideation and attempts during the perinatal period were included. Methodological quality was assessed using the AMSTAR-2 tool, and overlap was measured using the Corrected Covered Area (8.31%). Ten reviews were analyzed. Prevalence of suicidal ideation ranged from 7.2% to 12%, and suicide attempts from 4% to 5.1%. Common risk factors included poor sleep quality, intimate partner violence, low socioeconomic status, prior mental health disorders, and limited social support. Standardized screening and targeted interventions are important for improving maternal mental health outcomes.

Resumen

El periodo perinatal conlleva importantes cambios psicológicos que aumentan la vulnerabilidad de las mujeres a trastornos mentales, incluida la ideación suicida. Esta revisión tipo paraguas registrada en PROSPERO (CRD42024596880), tuvo como objetivo sintetizar la evidencia sobre la prevalencia de la ideación suicida en este periodo y sus factores de riesgo. Se realizó una hasta 2024. Se incluyeron revisiones sistemáticas sobre ideación y tentativa suicidas en este periodo. La calidad metodológica se evaluó mediante AMSTAR-2 y la superposición con el Corrected Covered Area (8.31%). Se analizaron 10 revisiones. La prevalencia de ideación suicida osciló entre 7,2% y 12% y los intentos de suicidio entre 4% y 5,1%. Los factores de riesgo más frecuentes fueron: mala calidad del sueño, violencia de pareja, bajo nivel socioeconómico, antecedentes de trastornos mentales y escaso apoyo social. Se recomienda activar intervenciones específicas estandarizadas.