Prevalence and factors associated with suicide and suicidal behaviours among unemployed youth in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review protocol

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Suicide is a major public health concern and one of the leading causes of death among young people globally. Unemployment has been associated with an increased risk of suicide and suicidal behaviour through its effects on mental health, financial security and social well-being. In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), high levels of youth unemployment, poverty and limited access to mental healthcare may further increase vulnerability to suicidal behaviour. This systematic review aims to synthesise evidence on the prevalence, associated factors and methods of suicide and suicidal behaviours among unemployed youth in SSA. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The review will be conducted and reported following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Eligible studies will focus on unemployed youth aged 15-35 years residing in SSA countries and report on suicide, suicidal ideation, suicide attempts or completed suicide. Electronic databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, EBSCOhost, Scopus, ProQuest and Sabinet African Journals, will be searched using a comprehensive search strategy supplemented by backward and forward citation searching. Three reviewers will independently screen studies, extract data and assess methodological quality using appropriate critical appraisal tools. Prevalence estimates will be pooled using random-effects meta-analysis where appropriate. Associated factors will be synthesised narratively and organised according to the socioecological framework. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical approval is not required as the review will use data from published studies and publicly available sources. Findings will be disseminated through publication in a peer-reviewed journal, conference presentations and engagement with relevant stakeholders. The review is expected to provide evidence to inform suicide prevention strategies, mental health interventions and employment-related policies targeting unemployed youth in SSA. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42025642679.