Research on media and suicide in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review, narrative synthesis and meta-analysis

J Affect Disord. 2026 Apr 20:121829. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2026.121829. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: This study examined the geographical distribution, study designs, methodological quality, and key findings of research on suicide-related media content in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

METHODS: A systematic review, narrative synthesis, and meta-analysis were conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Seven databases (MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Scopus, ProQuest, Web of Science, PubMed, and CINAHL) were searched to August 12, 2025. Eligible studies used LMIC data and addressed media reporting quality, the impact of media on behaviours or attitudes, stakeholder perspectives, or evaluation of guidelines and campaigns. Risk of bias was assessed using adapted JBI checklists and ROBINS-I. Studies examining adherence to international guidelines were meta-analysed to generate pooled estimates and heterogeneity measures by country and guideline.

RESULTS: Eighty-two papers from 19 countries were included, most from South-East Asia (n = 50). Research covered newspapers, online news, social media, and television, using quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods. The majority (80%) were quantitative content analyses of newspaper reporting, others included qualitative interviews, interrupted time series, pre-post studies, and analyses of social media or internet search trends. About 65% were rated at moderate or high risk of bias. Pooled analyses of 57 studies analysing newspaper content showed high rates of harmful reporting, such as specifying the suicide method (86%), and extremely low rates of protective practices, such as including help-seeking information (<2%).

CONCLUSION: Evidence on suicide and media in LMICs is expanding but remains concentrated in few countries and dominated by newspaper analyses. High levels of potentially harmful reporting and scarce helpful practices highlight urgent needs for interventions promoting more responsible media coverage.

PMID:42019763 | DOI:10.1016/j.jad.2026.121829