Parental-based prevention interventions to reduce suicidal-related behaviours in adolescents: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

BMJ Open. 2026 Apr 22;16(4):e114587. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2025-114587.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Effectiveness of prevention programmes to reduce suicidal-related behaviours among adolescents could improve when systematically involve interventions for parents/caregivers to enhance family functioning and parental skills. We aim to systematically review parental or family-based family prevention interventions and meta-analyse its effectiveness, as evidence on this topic has not been recently and systematically synthesised.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We will conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials of parent-based prevention interventions to reduce suicidal-related behaviours in adolescents aged 10-19 years. Studies involving a comparison group, postintervention and/or follow-up assessments of suicidal ideation, self-harm, suicidal attempts, psychopathology, emotional regulation and behavioural and functional outcomes will be reviewed. The CINAHL, CENTRAL, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science (WOS) databases were searched, without time limits, for eligible studies in English or Spanish, and with results available. Databases were searched from November 2025 to March 2026. The study selection process, the data extraction and the critical evaluation-with the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool-of included studies will be conducted independently and in duplicate by teams of reviewers, with the assistance of a third party, until reaching a high degree of agreement. If substantial heterogeneity is observed (I²>75%), we will use a narrative synthesis of the study results. If feasible, we will conduct a quality effects model for the statistical synthesis of results. If sufficient data are available, we will assess potential sources of heterogeneity. Doi plots, the Rosenthal’s N test and Egger’s Z test will be used to assess publication bias. The Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach will be used to assess the confidence in the evidence reviewed.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Results are expected to be published in a peer-reviewed journal in the field of adolescent and/or youth mental health. This study will be conducted using published data and does not involve human participants directly. Therefore, it is exempt from ethical review. Therefore, it is exempt from ethical review.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD420251183954.

PMID:42020131 | DOI:10.1136/bmjopen-2025-114587