Global Prevalence and Risk Factors of Suicidality Among Head and Neck Cancer Patients-systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Overview

Journal Support Care Cancer

Specialties Critical Care
Oncology

Date 2025 Mar 16

PMID 40089588

Authors

Shivani Sharma

Srivatsa Surya Vasudevan

Nakoma Walker

Gaelen Shimkus

Shriya Goyal

John Pang

Kavitha Beedupalli

Cherie-Ann O Nathan

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Purpose: Suicidality is a pertinent issue among head and neck cancer patients. Our primary aim is to investigate the current suicidality rate among head and neck cancer (HNC) patients and evaluate risk factors associated with suicidality.

Methods: We thoroughly searched primary original research from January 2024 onwards across several databases, including PubMed, Embase, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Scopus, and PsycINFO. Using a random-effects model, we calculated the odds ratio (OR) for risk factors and conducted a proportional meta-analysis to estimate prevalence and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results: Out of 15 included studies, 305,146 head and neck cancer patients were included. The global prevalence of suicidality among head and neck cancer patients was estimated at 6.8% (95% CI 2.0-20.6%). Major depressive disorder (RR = 5.13, 95% CI 3.60-7.30), psychiatric disorders (RR = 3.73, 95% CI 2.65-5.25), alcohol abuse (RR = 2.67, 95% CI 1.71-4.16), substance abuse (RR = 2.47, 95% CI 1.58-3.85), smoking/nicotine dependence (RR = 2.03, 95% CI 1.60-2.58), and functional compromise (RR = 1.74, 95% CI 1.29-2.36) were identified as significant risk factors. Subgroup analysis by geographical location revealed variations in prevalence, with Asia reporting lower rates than Europe and North America.

Conclusion: This systematic review reports the current suicidality rate associated with head and neck cancer patients. Major depressive disorder and other psychiatric comorbidities pose substantial risks requiring early intervention in mitigating the burden of suicidality.

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