Luisa Solimando1, Marta Fasulo1, Stefano Cavallero1, Nicola Veronese2, Lee Smith3, Laura Vernuccio1, Francesco Bolzetta4, Ligia J Dominguez1,5, Mario Barbagallo1. 1. Geriatric Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, University of Palermo, Via del Vespro 141, 90127, Palermo, Italy. 2. Geriatric Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, University of Palermo, Via del Vespro 141, 90127, Palermo, Italy. nicola.veronese@unipa.it. 3. Centre for Health Performance and Wellbeing, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, CB1 1PT, UK. 4. Medical Department, Geriatric Unit, Azienda ULSS (Unità Locale Socio Sanitaria) 3 "Serenissima", Dolo-Mirano District, Italy. 5. Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Enna "Kore", Enna, Italy.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Interest in physical and mental health outcomes in caregivers of patients with dementia is increasing. However, there is limited data available on the prevalence of suicidal ideation, suicidal attempts, and suicide rates among caregivers of those with dementia. Therefore, we aimed to systematically review these outcomes to address this gap in the literature and thus provide information to inform future policy and intervention for the benefit of caregivers of dementia patients. METHODS: We searched several databases from inception to the 10th November 2021, for studies investigating suicidal ideation, suicidal attempts, and suicide rates of caregivers of patients with dementia. We report data regarding suicidal ideation as prevalence, with the 95% confidence intervals (CIs), applying a random-effect model; since less than three studies were available for suicide attempt and suicide, these data are reported descriptively. RESULTS: Among 194 articles, eight comprising 1,209 informal caregivers of people with dementia (mean age: 63.9 years, 74% females) were included. The prevalence of suicide ideation was 32.32% (95% CI: 16.01-48.64%; I2 = 98.5%, p < 0.0001). The prevalence of suicide ideation varied between studies from 4.69% to 77.78%. Two studies reported the rate of suicidal attempt in caregivers of patients with dementia, with the prevalence ranging from 5.9% to 16.1%. One study reported one in 17 caregivers of patients with dementia died by suicide. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of suicide ideation is high, affecting several caregivers of patients with dementia. These findings suggest intervention and/or policy are urgently needed to address suicidal behavior in this at-risk population.
BACKGROUND: Interest in physical and mental health outcomes in caregivers of patients with dementia is increasing. However, there is limited data available on the prevalence of suicidal ideation, suicidal attempts, and suicide rates among caregivers of those with dementia. Therefore, we aimed to systematically review these outcomes to address this gap in the literature and thus provide information to inform future policy and intervention for the benefit of caregivers of dementia patients. METHODS: We searched several databases from inception to the 10th November 2021, for studies investigating suicidal ideation, suicidal attempts, and suicide rates of caregivers of patients with dementia. We report data regarding suicidal ideation as prevalence, with the 95% confidence intervals (CIs), applying a random-effect model; since less than three studies were available for suicide attempt and suicide, these data are reported descriptively. RESULTS: Among 194 articles, eight comprising 1,209 informal caregivers of people with dementia (mean age: 63.9 years, 74% females) were included. The prevalence of suicide ideation was 32.32% (95% CI: 16.01-48.64%; I2 = 98.5%, p < 0.0001). The prevalence of suicide ideation varied between studies from 4.69% to 77.78%. Two studies reported the rate of suicidal attempt in caregivers of patients with dementia, with the prevalence ranging from 5.9% to 16.1%. One study reported one in 17 caregivers of patients with dementia died by suicide. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of suicide ideation is high, affecting several caregivers of patients with dementia. These findings suggest intervention and/or policy are urgently needed to address suicidal behavior in this at-risk population.