title: Completed suicides and self-harm in Malaysia: a systematic review.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Most of the research into suicide and self-harm has been conducted in the United States and Europe, yet the volume of research does not reflect the distribution of suicide globally, with Asia accounting for up to 60% of all suicides. The present study systematically reviews the literature to assess the prevalence and correlates of suicidal acts in Malaysia in Southeast Asia.
  
  
  METHODS
  Five relevant databases were searched from inception up to February 2014, and a narrative synthesis of the results from the included studies was performed. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they were correlational survey research and archival/observational research describing self-harm and suicide. Outcomes included completed suicides and self-harm including suicide attempts and self-poisoning, suicide plans and suicidal ideation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In total, 39 studies met the inclusion criteria. The principal findings were that the prevalence of suicide in Malaysia is approximately 6-8 per 100,000 population per year and that there is an excess of suicide among men, people younger than 40 years and the Indian minority group. The past-month prevalence rates of suicidal ideation, plans and attempts are 1.7, 0.9% and 0.5%, respectively, whereas the past-year prevalence rates of suicidal ideation range between 6% and 8%.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The present research marks a first step towards understanding the prevalence and correlates of suicide and self-harm in Malaysia. However, the heterogeneity of the included studies was high. Further research into the antecedents, consequences and interventions for suicide and self-harm in the Malaysian context is required.
authors: University of Manchester. Electronic address: chris.armitage@manchester.ac.uk.
authors: Christopher J
authors: CJ
authors: Armitage
authors: University of Manchester.
authors: Maria
authors: M
authors: Panagioti
authors: University of Sheffield.
authors: Wirda
authors: W
authors: Abdul Rahim
authors: University of Sheffield.
authors: Richard
authors: R
authors: Rowe
authors: University of Glasgow.
authors: Rory C
authors: RC
authors: O'Connor
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D006801:Humans; D008296:Malaysia / Q000453:epidemiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D016728:Self-Injurious Behavior / Q000453:epidemiology*; D013405:Suicide / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Correlates; Prevalence; Self-harm Malaysia; Suicide