Prevalence of suicidal behavior in nigeria: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Suicidal behaviors are a major public health concern, yet their burden remains poorly defined in Nigeria, a country with a predominantly young population. This study aimed to comprehensively assess the prevalence and correlates of suicidal ideation, planning, and attempt in Nigeria. We systematically searched medical literature databases for studies published up to November 2025 that reported the prevalence of suicidal behaviors in the Nigerian general population or specific subgroups, using diagnoses or validated screening tools. Random-effects meta-analysis were conducted, with heterogeneity explored using meta-regression and subgroup analysis. Overall, 53 studies comprising 132,514 individuals were included. The prevalence of suicidal ideation in the general population was 7.9% (95%CI: 4.6, 13.4), while suicidal planning and attempts were estimated at 1.9% (95%CI: 0.9, 4.0) and 1.3% (95%CI: 0.4, 4.3), respectively. Suicidal ideation was associated with sociodemographic factors, including marital status, educational attainment, and employment status, and was more common in conflict-prone regions. Compared with the general population, suicidal behaviors were more prevalent among adolescents and young people, people living with HIV, and pregnant women. Notably, the prevalence also increased over time. These findings indicate that suicidal behaviors are common in Nigeria and highlight the need for targeted intervention strategies for high-risk populations.