Self-injury prevalence in adolescents: A global systematic review and meta-analysis

Self-injurious behavior (SIB) in adolescence is a public health problem and is associated with suicide. This study estimates the prevalence of SIB in adolescents in different countries. Five databases were used to carry out a systematic review. The prevalences were estimated through a mixed random effects model considering sub-groups. The search identified 4,534 articles and 136 were eligible. The global lifetime prevalence of SIB was 19% (95% CI = 17-21) and 20% (95% CI = 16-23) for non-suicidal self-injury. Females were 1.57 times more likely to engage in SIB than men (95% CI = 1.44-1.71). High lifetime prevalence of SIB in adolescents has been found in European countries (21%; 95% CI 18-25), while lower values have been identified in Oceania (14%; 95% CI = 14-18). The meta-analysis estimates will aid the planning future investigations on the influence of the school context on SIB in adolescents, as well as on the impact of actions to address such behavior in this environment.