Fundamentals of Mental Health

Fundamentals of Mental Health

A systematic review of suicide among suburban women in Iran: Epidemiology, risk factors, and preventive strategy

Document Type : Review Article

Authors
Ali Meshkinyazd
Parvaneh Soodmand
Department of Nursing and Midwifery, MMS.C., Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran.
10.22038/jfmh.2025.88023.324
Abstract
Introduction: Suicide among marginalized women in Iran, particularly in suburban and rural areas, is a critical public health concern. These women face intersecting vulnerabilities including poverty, gender-based violence, forced marriage, and limited access to mental health services. Self-immolation is reported as a prevalent method, especially in western provinces.

Materials and Methods: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Comprehensive searches were performed in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, SID, and Magiran for studies published between 2000 and 2024. Peer-reviewed studies focusing on suicidal behaviors among Iranian women in marginalized contexts were included. Study quality was assessed using STROBE for observational studies and CASP for qualitative studies.

Results: Forty studies met the inclusion criteria. Suicide rates were highest in Ilam, Kermanshah, and Khuzestan provinces. Self-immolation was the most common method, particularly among women under 30. Key risk factors included domestic violence, economic deprivation, forced marriage, mental illness, and limited access to psychiatric care. Stigma and cultural norms further hindered help-seeking behaviors. Preventive strategies identified include community-based mental health programs, education and awareness campaigns, legal reforms, and socioeconomic empowerment.

Conclusion: Suicide among marginalized women in Iran is driven by structural inequalities and compounded by psychosocial and cultural stressors. Effective prevention requires integrated approaches addressing mental health infrastructure, legal protection, community education, and economic empowerment.
Keywords
Suicide
Suburban
Women
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Fundamentals of Mental Health
Volume 28, Issue 2
March and April 2026
Pages 75-83