Prevalence of Non-suicidal Self-Injury in the General Population in Iran: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Context: Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is an intentional behavior without suicidal intent, recently recognized as an independent diagnostic entity in the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5). Various studies indicate that NSSI is prevalent worldwide, but there are no reports on its prevalence among the Iranian population. Evidence Acquisition: A systematic review of the literature was conducted using databases such as Scopus, PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, IMBIS, Google Scholar, Cochrane, and PsycInfo. Domestic databases, including Iran Medex, Mogiran, and SID, were also utilized. All available data until the end of June 2024 were reviewed. Data extraction was performed by two researchers, and study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). Studies on NSSI in the general population of Iran that reported prevalence rates and accurate sample sizes were included. The heterogeneity of the studies was evaluated using the Cochran test and I2 statistics. Additionally, a meta-regression analysis was conducted based on the year of study. Results: A total of 2,180 articles were reviewed, with 17 articles ultimately selected and included in the study. The random-effects model estimated the pooled prevalence of NSSI in the general population at 16.51% (95% CI, 13.59 - 19.43). The prevalence of NSSI in women and men was 19.27% (95% CI, 13.31 - 25.24) and 14.74% (95% CI, 10.53 - 18.94), respectively. A correlation was found between the number of years since the study was conducted and the prevalence of NSSI (Reg Coef = 0.01, 95% CI: 0.003 to 0.020, P = 0.011); newer studies reported higher prevalence rates. Conclusions: The present study revealed a high prevalence of NSSI in the general population, particularly in certain provinces and among women, indicating the need for specific prevention and treatment programs.