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. 2024 Mar 14;19(3):e0294078. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0294078

Suicidal ideation, attempt, and its associated factors among adult HIV/AIDS patients in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis study

Eyob Ketema Bogale 1,*, Amare Zewdie 2, Tadele Derbew Kassie 3, Tadele Fentabil Anagaw 1, Elyas Melaku Mazengia 3, Sintayehu Shiferaw Gelaw 3, Eneyew Talie Fenta 4, Habitu Birhan Eshetu 5, Natnael Kebede 6
Editor: Chalachew Kassaw Demoze7
PMCID: PMC10939232  PMID: 38484019

Abstract

Background

WHO statistics show that someone attempts suicide every three seconds and commits suicide every 40 seconds somewhere in the world. There is a scarcity of aggregate evidence in Ethiopia. The aim of this review was to assess the pooled prevalence of suicidal ideation, attempts, and associated factors among adult HIV/AIDS patients in Ethiopia to fill this gap.

Methods

We extensively searched the bibliographic databases of PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, Google Scholar, and the Web of Science to obtain eligible studies. Further screening for a reference list of articles was also done. The Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet was used to extract data, and Stata 17 was used for analysis. To check heterogeneity, the Higgs I2 and Cochran’s Q tests were employed. Sensitivity and subgroup analysis were implemented. To detect publication bias, Egger’s test and funnel plots were used.

Results

The pooled prevalence of suicidal ideation and attempts among adult HIV/AIDS patients in Ethiopia was 20.3 with a 95% CI (14, 26.5) and 11.1 with a 95% CI (6.6, 15.5), respectively. Living alone (AOR 4.98; 95% CI: 2.96–8.37), having comorbidity or other opportunistic infection (AOR 4.67; 95% CI: 2.57–8.48), female sex (AOR 2.86; 95% CI: 1.76, 4.62), having WHO clinical stage III of HIV (AOR 3.69; 95% CI: 2.15, 6.32), having WHO clinical stage IV of HIV (AOR 5.43; 95% CI: 2.81, 10.53), having co-morbid depression (AOR 5.25; 95% CI: 4.05, 6.80), having perceived HIV stigma (AOR 2.53; 95% CI: 1.67, 3.84), and having family history of suicidal attempt (AOR 2.79; 95% CI: 1.38, 5.66) were significantly associated with suicidal ideation. Being female (AOR 4.33; 95% CI: 2.36, 7.96), having opportunistic infections (AOR 2.73; 95% CI: 1.69, 4.41), having WHO clinical stage III of HIV (AOR 3.78; 95% CI: 2.04, 7.03), having co-morbid depression (AOR 3.47; 95% CI: 2.38, 5.05), having poor social support (AOR 3.02; 95% CI: 1.78, 5.13), and having WHO clinical stage IV (AOR 7.39; 95% CI: 3.54, 15.41) were significantly associated with suicidal attempts.

Conclusion

The pooled magnitude of suicidal ideation and attempt was high, and factors like opportunistic infection, WHO clinical stage III of HIV, WHO clinical stage III of HIV, and co-morbid depression were related to both suicidal ideation and attempt. Clinicians should be geared towards this mental health problem in HIV patients during management.

Introduction

The definition [1] states that suicide is defined as deliberate self-inflicted death. A suicidal attempt is a deliberate but unsuccessful attempt to kill oneself, and suicidal ideation is having thoughts of doing so [1]. According to WHO (World Health Organization) statistics, someone attempts suicide every three seconds and commits suicide every 40 seconds somewhere in the world. At least six additional people are severely impacted psychologically, socially, and financially by a single suicide, and suicide represents 1% of the global disease burden [2].

By the year 2020, the yearly global rate of suicide will rise to 11.4 per 100,000 people, accounting for nearly 2.4% of the world’s illness burden, and there will be one suicide-related death every 20 seconds. In 2013, the cost of suicide in the United States, including suicide attempts, was $58.4 billion [3].

According to a self-report questionnaire used in an institutional-based cross-sectional study in Nanjing, China, patients with HIV/AIDS have a suicide ideation rate of 31.6% [4]. In the USA, a cross-sectional study with 1560 individuals found that the prevalence of suicidal thoughts and attempts was 26% and 13%, respectively [5].

A systematic review and meta-analysis study report revealed that the pooled prevalence of suicidal ideation and attempts among patients with HIV/AIDS in Africa was 21.7% and 11.06%, respectively [6]. According to a study done in Kampala, Uganda, the frequency of suicidal ideation is 17%, and suicidal ideation is more common than suicide attempts [7]. Another cross-sectional study comprising 109 pregnant women in the second half of their pregnancy and a sizable primary health care center in a rural area of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, revealed a 27.5% suicidal ideation rate [8].

According to the results of a study on suicidality among HIV patients at a treatment facility in the Nigerian city of Kaduna, the prevalence of suicidality was 16% among the study’s 250 total participants [9]. The frequency of suicidal thoughts was found to be 26.9% among adolescents in Tunisia, and the suicide attempt rate was 7.3% [10]. The proportion of suicidal thoughts and attempts was found to be 33.6% and 20.1%, respectively, in hospital-based cross-sectional research among HIV/AIDS patients at Debark District Hospital North-West, Ethiopia [11].

Suicidal thoughts and attempts are high. The size of suicidal ideation was found to be 27.1% [12] in a study conducted at St. Paul’s Hospital, Millennium Medical College, and St. Peter’s Specialized Hospital. Suicidal attempts were reported to be 16.9% in a related study. According to a study done in the same city with 423 study participants, the prevalence of suicidal ideation and attempts was 22.5% and 13.9%, respectively [13]. Another cross-sectional study on suicidal ideation among HIV/AIDS patients at northeastern Ethiopia’s Dessie Referral Hospital found that the prevalence was 9.4%, with 3.3% of those having attempted suicide [14].

The majority of HIV-infected adolescents live in environments with inadequate resources, and as a result, they frequently struggle with mental and behavioral health issues, which have an impact on all facets of HIV prevention and treatment. As a result, such mental health issues cause suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The effects of mental health issues on young people living with HIV have not been sufficiently studied [15].

In Ethiopia, youth and young adults account for a large percentage of all HIV/AIDS cases. Hence, living with chronic diseases like HIV/AIDS may increase the risk of suicide. There is no systematic review or meta-analysis report of suicide among HIV-positive adults in Ethiopia, and the results of those studies have sometimes been contradictory when it comes to the causes of suicidal thoughts and attempts. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate high-risk populations for suicide ideation early on and to provide PLWHA (people living with HIV/AIDS) with greater psychological health care. The findings of previous studies that differ from one another require systematic evaluation and meta-analysis. As a result, the objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis study is to evaluate the combined prevalence of suicidal ideation and attempt and its associated factors among HIV-positive adults in Ethiopia.

Methods

Search strategy

This systematic review and meta-analysis study was undertaken following the preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines [16]. This systematic review and meta-analysis study was registered in PROSPERO with reference ID CRD42023439054. This review study took place between June 1, 2023, and June 30, 2023.

The search strategy for this review has been done in two ways. The first was an exploration of electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar) for the presence of evidence regarding suicidal ideation and attempts in HIV/AIDS patients. We have used the following headings and keywords for PubMed database searching: prevalence OR magnitude AND "suicidal ideation" OR suicidality OR "suicidal attempt" AND HIV OR AIDS OR ART AND factor OR "risk factor" OR determinant OR predictors AND Ethiopia. Google Scholar and Scopus were conducted in line with database-specific searching guidelines using keywords used in PubMed. The second strategy was a manual search for the reference lists of the incorporated studies. We had put 2013–2023-time restrictions on our search for articles.

Inclusion and exclusion criteria

Inclusion criteria

An article was eligible for inclusion if it meets the following criteria:

  • The study had been conducted in adult HIV/AIDS patients,

  • The outcome investigated should be suicidal ideation, suicidal attempt and its associated factors

  • The study should be conducted in Ethiopia.

  • The study conducted from 2013 to 2023,

Exclusion criteria

An article was eligible for exclusion if it meets the following criteria:

  • Previous studies which assessed non-human subjects.

  • Publication of the article in Non-English language.

Methods for data extraction and quality assessment

The three authors (EKB, ET, and AZ) independently extracted the essential data from the studies included in the final analysis using a standardized data extraction template. A standardized Microsoft Excel spreadsheet was used to enter the data that had been extracted from the included research. To maintain consistency, cross-checking was done. During the extraction process, discrepancies between the extracted data were resolved through logical discussion among the three authors, and the final consensus was approved with the participation of authors NK and HBE.

The table includes the author’s name, the research population, the sample size, the publication year, the study area, the study design, and the evaluation tool for suicidal thoughts and attempts and its associated factors in HIV patients.

Utilizing a PRISMA-compliant assessment form, the data from the included studies was collected [16]. The Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment scale [17] was used to rate the caliber of the research that was considered in the final analysis. This scale allows for possible scores ranging from 0 to 10. On this scale, a score of 8 or more indicated good quality, a score of 3 to 7 indicated moderate quality, and a score of less than this indicated low quality. Two independent authors (EKB and TF) assessed the included studies’ quality using the Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment scale [17]. The third author (NK) discussed and resolved any disagreements. Out of the seven studies that were considered, two had moderate quality and five had good quality.

Data synthesis and analysis

In this meta-analysis, we used a random-effects model to calculate the pooled prevalence of suicidal ideation and attempt and its associated factors with their 95% CIs. STATA 17 was used for this meta-analysis method. When the I2 statistical value is zero, there is no heterogeneity; I2 values of 25, 50, and 75%, respectively, imply small, moderate, and large heterogeneity [18].

Potential heterogeneity had an impact on our study; therefore, we did a sensitivity analysis to identify its most likely source. In order to assess suicidal ideation and attempts, a subgroup analysis based on sample size, publication year, and study setting had to be completed. Two tests—the ocular funnel plot test and Egger’s regression test—were used to determine whether there was publication bias. P-values < 0.05 were used to define statistical significance for analyses.

Results

Identifcation of studies

A total of 558 papers were found during our search for literature utilizing the previously mentioned search techniques. A second search for the reference list of publications that were supported by references also turned up 13 articles, for a total of 571 articles. Before the screening, a total of 106 articles were excluded due to duplicate records (n = 94), records marked as ineligible by automation tools (n = 13), and records removed for other reasons (n = 9).

During and after screening, a total of 157 of these articles were excluded since their publication dates were more than ten years in the past. A total of 287 papers were eliminated by simply reading their titles (86 were eliminated because the target group was not HIV/AIDS patients, and 201 were eliminated because the title hinted that the end variable was not suicidal ideation or attempt). The remaining 11 studies were thoroughly examined to see whether they should be included in the meta-analysis; however, only 7 articles [1114, 1921] were included since the remaining 4 articles were also excluded because the meta-analysis’s target population age was children (Fig 1).

Fig 1. Flow chart for the review process.

Fig 1

* Data of publication greater than 10 years, ** Target population were children.

Characteristics of included studies

An overall of 7 studies that examined suicidal ideation or suicidal attempts in 2593 HIV/AIDS adult patients in Ethiopia were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis study [1114, 1921]. Of all the included studies, 3 were conducted in Addis Ababa [12, 13, 19], 1 was conducted in Dessie [14], 1 was conducted at Harar [20], 1 was conducted at Debark [11], and the remaining one was conducted in central Ethiopia [21]. The study design of all studies was cross-sectional [1114, 1921].

In all of the included studies, the assessment instruments for suicidal ideation and attempts were CIDI [1114, 1921]. Besides, among the included studies, three used a sample size of more than 400 [13, 20, 21], and the remaining four [11, 12, 14, 19] used a sample size of less than 400. Moreover, considering the year of publication of the study, five were published in the past five years (2018 and above) [12, 14, 1921], whereas the remaining twelve were published between 2013 and 2017 [11, 13] (Table 1).

Table 1. Characteristics of studies on sucidial ideation and sucidial attempt among adult HIV/ AIDS patients in Ethiopia.

Sr. no Author/year Study area Study design Sample size Tool used Out come variable % Sucidial ideation % Sucidial
Attempt
1 Tesera Kendie M, et al, 2023 Addis Ababa CS 237 CIDI Sucidial ideation and attempt 22.8 13.5
2 Wonde M. et al, 2019 Addis Ababa CS 423 CIDI Sucidial ideation and attempt 27.1 16.9
3 Bitew H. et al, 2016 Debark CS 393 CIDI Sucidial ideation and attempt 33.6 20.1
4 Tamirat KS. et al, 2021 Dessie CS 395 CIDI Sucidial ideation and attempt 9.4 3.3
5 Gebremariam EH. et al, 2017 Addis Ababa CS 423 CIDI Sucidial ideation and attempt 22.5 13.9
6 Gebreegziabhier Kindaya G, 2020 Harar CS 423 CIDI Sucidial ideation and attempt 24.3 12.6
7 Gizachew KD. et al, 2021 Central Ethiopia CS 423 CIDI Sucidial ideation and attempt 16 7.1

Note: CIDI: Composite International Diagnostic Interview, CS: Cross—sectional study

The pooled prevalence of suicidal ideation among adult HIV/AIDS patients in Ethiopia

Seven studies that assessed suicidal ideation and suicidal attempts in adult HIV/AIDS patients were included in the final meta-analysis to determine the pooled prevalence of suicidal ideation and suicidal attempts. The reported magnitude of suicidal ideation among the studies included in the current systematic review and meta-analysis varies from 9.4 in Dessie [14] to 33.6% in Debark [11]. The pooled prevalence of suicidal ideation among adult patients with HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia using the random effect model was 22.1% (95% CI 15.7–28.6). This pooled prevalence was under the influence of significant heterogeneity (I2 = 94.33%, p-value <0.001) from the variance between the included studies (Fig 2).

Fig 2. A forest plot for the prevalence of suicidal ideation in HIV/AIDS patients.

Fig 2

Sub group analysis of the prevalence of suicidal ideation among adult HIV/AIDS patients in Ethiopia

Since the pooled prevalence of suicidal ideation was influenced by substantial heterogeneity, a subgroup analysis has been employed based on the study setting where the study was conducted, year of publication, and sample size < or >400. The pooled prevalence of suicidal ideation among adult HIV/AIDS patients in Addis Ababa administrative councils was 24.2% (95% CI 21.2, 27.2), with I2 = 26.28% and a p-value of 0.258.

The pooled prevalence of suicidal ideation among HIV/AIDS patients in the city from Regions was 20.7% (95% CI 10.4, 31.0) with I2 = 96.55%, p-value <0.001.

Besides, a subgroup analysis considered the year of publication and sample size. The pooled prevalence of suicidal ideation was larger (28% (95% CI 17.1, 38.9) (I2 = 92%, P<0.001) in studies published before 2017 [11, 13] than in studies published after 2017 [12, 14, 2325]; 19.8% (95% CI 12.6, 27) (I2 = 93.79%, P<0.001).

Moreover, the pooled prevalence of suicidal ideation was larger (24.5% (95% CI 21.9, 27.2) (I2 = 15.90%, p = 0.305) in studies that used a sample size≥400 [12, 13, 20, 21] than in studies that utilized a sample size<400 [11, 14, 19] (20.3% (95% CI 9.8, 30.9) (I2 = 96.25%, P<0.001) [Table 2].

Table 2. A subgroup analysis of the prevalence of suicidal ideation among adult HIV/AIDS patients in Ethiopia.

Subgroup Number of studies Estimates Heterogeneity
Prevalence (%) 95% CI I2 (%) Q(DF) P-value
Region
City from Regions 4 20.7 10.4, 31.0 96.55 86.94 (3) <0.001
Administrative city 3 24.2 21.2, 27.2 26.28 2.71 (2) 0.258
Sample size
< 400 4 20.3 9.8, 30.9 96.25 80.10 (3) <0.001
≥ 400 3 24.5 21.9, 27.2 15.90 2.38 (2) 0.305
Year of publication
From 2018–2023 5 19.8 12.6, 27 93.79 64.37 (4) <0.001
From 2013–2017 2 28 17.1, 38.9 92 12.50 (1) <0.001

CI: confdence interval; DF: degree of freedom

The pooled prevalence of suicidal attempt among adult HIV/AIDS patients in Ethiopia

Data regarding suicidal attempts were reported in all seven studies [1114, 1921]. The prevalence of suicidal attempts reported in these included studies ranges from 7.1 in Central Ethiopia [21] to 20.1% in Debark [11]. The pooled prevalence of suicidal attempts among adult patients with HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia using the random effect model was 12.4% (95% CI, 7.5, 17.2). This pooled prevalence was under the influence of a significant heterogeneity (I2 = 94.42%, p-value <0.001) in the variance between the included studies (Fig 3).

Fig 3. A forest plot for the prevalence of suicidal attempt in HIV/AIDS patients.

Fig 3

Sub group analysis of the prevalence of suicidal Attempt among adult HIV/AIDS patients in Ethiopia

Since the pooled prevalence of suicidal ideation was influenced by substantial heterogeneity, a subgroup analysis has been employed based on the study setting where the study was conducted, year of publication, and sample size < or >400. The pooled prevalence of suicidal attempts among adult HIV/AIDS patients in Addis Ababa administrative councils was 14.8% (95% CI 12.7, 17.0), with I2 = 0.00% and a p-value of 0.383.

The pooled prevalence of suicidal attempts among HIV/AIDS patients in the city from the regions was 10.6% (95% CI, 3.9, 17.3), with I2 = 95.74% and a p-value <0.001.

Besides, a subgroup analysis considered the year of publication and sample size. The pooled prevalence of suicidal attempts was larger (16.9% (95% CI 10.8, 23) (I2 = 81.9%, p = 0.019) in studies published before 2017 [11, 13] than in studies published after 2017 [12, 14, 2325]: 10.5% (95% CI 5.3, 15.8) (I2 = 93.83%, P<0.001).

Moreover, the pooled prevalence of suicidal attempts was larger: 14.4% (95% CI 11.9, 16.8) (I2 = 36.00%, p = 0.210) in studies that used a sample size≥400 [12, 13, 20, 21] than studies that utilized a sample size<400 [11, 14, 19]; 10.8% (95% CI 3.8, 17.9) (I2 = 95.56%, P<0.001) [Table 3].

Table 3. A subgroup analysis of the prevalence of suicidal attempt among adult HIV/AIDS patients in Ethiopia.

Subgroup Number of studies Estimates Heterogeneity
Prevalence (%) 95% CI I2 (%) Q(DF) P-value
Region
City from Regions 4 10.6 3.9, 17.3 95.74 70.43 (3) <0.001
Administrative city 3 14.8 12.7, 17.0 0.00 1.92 (2) 0.383
Sample size
< 400 4 10.8 3.8, 17.9 95.56 67.52 (3) <0.001
≥ 400 3 14.4 11.9, 16.8 36.00 3.12 (2) 0.210
Year of publication
From 2018–2023 5 10.5 5.3, 15.8 93.83 64.84 (4) <0.001
From 2013–2017 2 16.9 10.8, 23 81.9 5.53 (1) 0.019

CI: confdence interval; DF: degree of freedom

Sensetivity analysis

To identify the source of heterogeneity that affects the pooled prevalence of suicidal ideation in adult HIV/AIDS patients, we conducted a sensitivity analysis. According to the findings of the sensitivity analysis, the pooled estimated prevalence of suicidal ideation obtained when every single study was excluded from the analysis was within the 95% confidence interval of the pooled prevalence of suicidal ideation when all studies were fitted together. Furthermore, the sensitivity analysis result showed that the pooled prevalence of suicidal ideation ranges between 20.58 (95% CI 15.76, 25.71) and 23.85% (95% CI 23.78, 23.92) when each study was left out of the analysis (Table 4).

Table 4. A sensitivity analysis of the prevalence of suicidal ideation among adult HIV/AIDS patients in Ethiopia when each indicated studies are removed at a time with its 95% confdence interval.

No Excluded study Prevalence of sucidial ideation(%) 95% CI
1 Tesera Kendie M, et al, 2023 22.06 14.76, 29.35
2 Wonde M. et al, 2019 21.33 14.21, 28.45
3 Bitew H. et al, 2016 20.24 14.19, 26.29
4 Tamirat KS. et al, 2021 24.33 19.65, 29.01
5 Gebremariam EH. et al, 2017 22.11 14.52, 29.70
6 Gebreegziabhier Kindaya G, 2020 21.8 14.37, 29.23
7 Gizachew KD. et al, 2021 23 .19 15.69, 30.69

CI: Confdence Interval

Also, we did a sensitivity analysis for the prevalence of suicidal attempts, and the result showed that the pooled prevalence of suicidal attempts ranges between 11.08 (95% CI 6.35, 15.82) and 13.91% (95% CI 10.19, 17.62) when each study was left out of the analysis (Table 5).

Table 5. A sensitivity analysis of the prevalence of suicidal attempt among adult HIV/AIDS patients in Ethiopia when each indicated studies are removed at a time with its 95% confdence interval.

No Excluded study Prevalence of sucidial ideation(%) 95% CI
1 Tesera Kendie M, et al, 2023 12.19 6.75, 17.63
2 Wonde M. et al, 2019 11.61 6.45, 16.76
3 Bitew H. et al, 2016 11.08 6.35, 15.82
4 Tamirat KS. et al, 2021 13.91 10.19, 17.62
5 Gebremariam EH. et al, 2017 12.12 6.59, 17.64
6 Gebreegziabhier Kindaya G, 2020 12.34 6.68, 17.99
7 Gizachew KD. et al, 2021 13.28 7.42, 19.15

CI: confdence interval

Publication bias

The presence or absence of publication bias in the prevalence of suicidal ideation and attempts was checked with two methods. The first was Egger’s publication bias plot. The result from this showed that publication bias exists and that its p-value is significant (P-value = 0.0172) for suicidal ideation and (P-value <0.001) for suicidal attempts, implying that there is significant publication bias for the prevalence of suicidal ideation and attempts in Ethiopia. Moreover, a visual inspection of a funnel plot for a Logit event rate of prevalence of suicidal ideation (Fig 4) and attempt (Fig 5) in adult HIV/AIDS patients against its standard error suggests supportive evidence for the presence of publication bias. To treat publication bias, we run a trim-and-fill analysis of publication bias, and we have one imputed study for both suicidal ideation and suicidal attempts. Finally, the adjusted pool prevalence of suicidal ideation is 20.3 with a 95% CI of 14–26.5, and the adjusted pooled prevalence of suicidal attempts is 11.1 with a 95% CI of 6.6–15.5.

Fig 4. A funnel plot for the prevalence of suicidal ideation in adult HIV/ AIDS patients.

Fig 4

Fig 5. A funnel plot for the prevalence of suicidal attempt in adult HIV/ AIDS patients.

Fig 5

Factors associated with suicidal ideation in adult HIV/AIDS patients in Ethiopia

All seven studies reported the factors associated with suicidal ideation [1114, 2325]. The pooled effect of three studies [1921] showed that adult people with HIV/AIDSwho were living alone were 4.98 times(AOR 4.98; 95% CI: 2.96–8.37) more likely to have suicidal ideation in Ethiopia as compared to adult patients with HIV/AIDS who were living with their family. The pooled effect of two studies [11, 19] showed that adult people with HIV/AIDS who had comorbidity or other opportunistic infection were 4.67 times (AOR 4.67; 95% CI: 2.57–8.48) more likely to have suicidal ideation in Ethiopia as compared to adult people with HIV/AIDS who had no comorbidity or other opportunistic infection.

The pooled effect of two studies [12, 19] showed that adult people with HIV/AIDS who are female were 2.86 times (AOR 2.86; 95% CI: 1.76–4.62) more likely to have suicidal ideation in Ethiopia as compared to adult people with HIV/AIDS who are male.

The pooled effect of two studies [12, 13] showed that adult people with HIV/AIDS who had WHO clinical stage III of HIV were 3.69 times (AOR 3.69; 95% CI: 2.15, 6.32) more likely to have suicidal ideation in Ethiopia as compared to adult people with HIV/AIDS who had WHO clinical stage I of HIV (Table 6).

Table 6. Characteristics ofpooled associated factors with sucidial ideation among adult HIV/AIDS patients in Ethiopia.

Variables AOR 95% CI P value
Living alone 4.98 2.96, 8.37 <0.001
Having comorbidity or other opportunistic infection 4.67 2.57, 8.48 <0.001
Female sex 2.86 1.76, 4.62 <0.001
WHO clinical stage III of HIV 3.69 2.15, 6.32 <0.001
WHO clinical stage IV of HIV 5.43 2.81, 10.53 <0.001
Co-morbid depression 5.25 4.05, 6.80 <0.001
Perceived HIV stigma 2.53 1.67, 3.84 <0.001
Family`history of suicidal attempt 2.79 1.38, 5.66 0.004

The pooled effect of two studies [12, 13] showed that adult people with HIV/AIDS who had WHO clinical stage IV of HIV were 5.43 times (AOR 5.43; 95% CI: 2.81, 10.53) more likely to have suicidal ideation in Ethiopia as compared to adult people with HIV/AIDS who had WHO clinical stage I of HIV.

The pooled effect of four studies [1114] showed that adult people with HIV/AIDS who had co-morbid depression were 5.25 times (AOR 5.25; 95% CI: 4.05, 6.80) more likely to have suicidal ideation in Ethiopia as compared to adult people with HIV/AIDS who had no co-morbid depression (Table 6).

The pooled effect of two studies [12, 13] showed that adult people with HIV/AIDS who had perceived HIV stigma were 2.53 times (AOR 2.53; 95% CI: 1.67–3.84) more likely to have suicidal ideation in Ethiopia as compared to adult people with HIV/AIDS who had no perceived HIV stigma. The pooled effect of two studies [13, 21] showed that adult people with HIV/AIDS who had a family history of suicidal attempts were 2.79 times (AOR 2.79; 95% CI: 1.38–5.66) more likely to have suicidal ideation in Ethiopia as compared to adult people with HIV/AIDS who had no family history of suicidal attempts (Table 6).

Factors associated with suicidal attempt in adult HIV/AIDS patients in Ethiopia

Of all the included studies, six reported the factors associated with suicidal attempts [1113, 1921]. The pooled effect of two studies [11, 13] showed that adult people with HIV/AIDS who were female were 4.33 times (AOR 4.33; 95% CI: 2.36, 7.96) more likely to perform suicidal attempts in Ethiopia as compared to adult patients with HIV/AIDS who were male. The pooled effect of two studies [11, 12] showed that adult people with HIV/AIDS who had opportunistic infection were 2.73 times (AOR 2.73; 95% CI: 1.69, 4.41) more likely to perform suicidal attempts in Ethiopia as compared to adult people with HIV/AIDS who had not had opportunistic infection (Table 7).

Table 7. Characteristics of pooled associated factors with suicidal attempt among adult HIV/AIDS patients in Ethiopia.

Variables AOR 95% CI P value
Female sex 4.33 2.36, 7.96 <0.001
opportunistic infections 2.73 1.69, 4.41 <0.001
WHO clinical stage III of HIV 3.78 2.04, 7.03 <0.001
co-morbid depression 3.47 2.38, 5.05 <0.001
poor social support 3.02 1.78, 5.13 <0.001
WHO clinical stage IV 7.39 3.54, 15.41 <0.001

The pooled effect of two studies [12, 13] showed that adult people with HIV/AIDS who had WHO clinical stage III of HIV were 3.78 times (AOR 3.78; 95% CI: 2.04, 7.03) more likely to perform suicidal attempt in Ethiopia as compared to adult people with HIV/AIDS who had WHO clinical stage I of HIV (Table 7). The pooled effect of four studies [12, 13, 19, 20] showed that adult people with HIV/AIDS who had co-morbid depression were 3.47 times (AOR 3.47; 95% CI: 2.38, 5.05) more likely to perform suicidal attempt in Ethiopia as compared to adult people with HIV/AIDS who had no co-morbid depression (Table 7).

The pooled effect of two studies [11, 12] showed that adult people with HIV/AIDS who had poor social support were 3.02 times (AOR 3.02; 95% CI: 1.78, 5.13) more likely to perform suicidal attempts in Ethiopia as compared to adult people with HIV/AIDS who had good social support. The pooled effect of two studies [13, 20] showed that adult people with HIV/AIDS who had WHO clinical stage IV were 7.39 times (AOR 7.39; 95% CI: 3.54, 15.41) more likely to perform suicidal attempts in Ethiopia as compared to adult people with HIV/AIDS who had WHO clinical stage I (Table 7).

Discussion

In this systematic review and meta-analysis study, seven studies that were conducted between 2013 and 2023 with 2593 participants were analyzed to estimate suicidal ideation, suicidal attempts, and their associated factors among adult HIV/AIDS patients in Ethiopia. All seven studies assessed both suicidal ideation and suicidal attempts as primary outcome variables. According to this meta-analysis, the pooled prevalence of suicidal ideation and suicidal attempts was 22.1% and 11.1%, respectively. Living alone, having comorbidity or other opportunistic infection, having WHO clinical stage III of HIV, having WHO clinical stage IV of HIV, having co-morbid depression, having perceived HIV stigma, and having a family history of suicidal attempts were significantly associated with suicidal Ideation. Being female, having opportunistic infections, having WHO clinical stage IIIHIV, having co-morbid depression, having poor social support, and having WHO clinical stage IV were significantly associated with suicidal attempts.

The pooled prevalence of suicidal ideation among the included studies was 20.3, with a 95% CI of 14–26.5. This was in line with the result of a systematic review and meta-analysis study that reported that the prevalence of suicidal ideation was 22.3% among college students [22], 21.7% among patients with HIV/AIDS in Africa [6], and 24.38% among studies on HIV/AIDS patients worldwide [23].

However, this was higher than studies in Thailand, which were 15.5% [24], 14.0% in Canada [25], and 10% in the United States [26]. This difference might be due to socio-economic, socio-demographic, and cultural differences.

On the other hand, the pooled prevalence in the present study was lower than the results of studies in China: 31.6%, 64% [4, 27], and 41.6% among homeless people in Ethiopia [28]. This difference might be due to the fact that the prevalence report from Chinese studies was from single studies, but the current study is a meta-analysis study that might provide a more precise result than single studies. Besides this, the variation in studies among homeless people in Ethiopia is due to the fact that people who are homeless are among the most at-risk groups and experience severe psychosocial and financial issues, which may increase their chance of developing suicidal thoughts [29].

The prevalence of suicidal ideation showed variation based on the city of study, year of publication, and sample size of the study. Our subgroup analysis showed that the pooled prevalence of suicidal ideation among adult HIV/AIDS patients was 24.2% in Addis Ababa administrative councils, higher than the pooled prevalence of suicidal ideation in the city from the regions (Amhara and Harar) of 20.7%. This difference might be due to variations in the level of urbanization. When we compare cities found in the region and Addis Ababa administrative councils, the level of urbanization is high in Addis Ababa. Numerous issues may arise as a result of urbanisation, including high population density, concentrated poverty, alienation from nature, increased noise and air pollution, and social isolation [30]. Common mental disorders are being diagnosed more frequently, and self-harm and suicide are becoming more common, all of which are related to the general trend towards urban living [31].

The pooled prevalence of suicidal attempts in our study was 11.1 with a 95% CI of 6.6–15.5. This finding is in line with the systematic review and meta-analysis study: 13.08% worldwide [10], 9% in Japan [32], and 8.2% in Thailand [24].

However, this result was higher than the results in studies in Nigeria: 1.3% [9] and 3.5% in Canada [33]. In contrast, the result of this study was lower than the studies among homeless people in Ethiopia, 28.80% [28], 23% in France [9], and 22.6% in China [4]. The possible explanation of this variation might be due to the difference in disclosure status of suicidal attempts attributed to environmental and socio-economic factors between the above-mentioned studies and the Ethiopian studies included in this analysis. Besides this, the presented study is a systematic review and meta-analysis study, and the comparator studies such as China [4] and France [33] are single studies that might also cause variation in the magnitude of suicidal attempts. Moreover, the variation from studies among homeless people in Ethiopia is due to the fact that People who are homeless are among the most at-risk groups and experience severe psychosocial and financial issues, which may increase their chance of developing suicidal attempts [29].

The prevalence of suicidal attempts showed variation based on the city of study, year of publication, and sample size of the study. Our subgroup analysis showed that the pooled prevalence of suicidal attempts among adult HIV/AIDS patients was 14.8% in Addis Ababa administrative councils, higher than in the city from Regions (Amhara and Harar) at 10.6%. The reasons discussed for suicidal ideation, could also be applicable to suicidal attempts.

Advanced stages of AIDS, such as WHO clinical stage III and WHO clinical stage IV, were factors associated with suicidal ideation [12, 13] and attempts [12, 13, 20]. This could be because the patient’s symptoms are getting worse and their clinical conditions are deteriorating, which might also give them a sense of hopelessness and make them more suicidal.

Having opportunistic infections [1113] was associated with suicidal ideation [19] and attempts [11, 12]. This might be a result of the rise in AIDS-defining opportunistic illnesses, which increase patient burdens and lower their quality of life.

Co-morbid depression [1114] was also associated with suicidal ideation and attempts [13, 19, 20] in adult HIV/AIDS patients in Ethiopia. This finding was supported by a study in China [4]. The reason for this is that depression will deplete the involvement of the monoaminergic neurotransmitter systems, particularly the serotonergic ones, in our brain, and studies showed that a decrease in serotonin would have an impact on suicidal ideation and attempts [34, 35]. Additionally, the direct social effects of depression, such as social withdrawal, hopelessness, and worthlessness, may be responsible for suicidal ideation and attempts.

In this study, poor social support was found to be a factor associated with suicidal ideation [11, 14] and attempts [11, 12]. This finding was supported by a study in France [33]. This may be because HIV/AIDS patients who have poor social support find it difficult to cope with their chronic illness and the psychological burden it imposes on them on their own and feel alienated to the point where their risk of committing suicide rises [36].

Furthermore, disclosure status [19], living arrangement [19], being single [11], not on HAART [13], low monthly income [21], being female [11, 12], perceived HIV stigma [11, 12] Experiencing mild and moderate-to-severe depression and anxiety symptoms [21] and being gossiped about sometimes in the last 12 months of the study period due to HIV status [21] were the factors associated with suicidal ideation and suicidal attempts in adult patients with HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia.

Strengths and limitations of the study

There are strengths and limitations to this systematic review and meta-analysis study. The employment of a predetermined search method that reduces the reviewer’s bias is the first strength of the study. The study’s quality evaluation and data extraction were carried out by independent reviewers, which further reduced reviewer bias. This was the study’s second strength. A strength was the use of sensitivity analysis and subgroup analysis to find the source of heterogeneity. Contrarily, the heterogeneity in the study that could skew the results’ interpretation is what gives birth to its limitations. Another drawback is that the validity of the estimate may be reduced by the subgroup analysis using only a small number of studies.

Conclusion

This systematic review and meta-analysis study revealed that the adjusted pooled prevalence of suicidal ideation and attempt among HIV/AIDS patients was high in Ethiopia. Living alone, having comorbidity or other opportunistic infections, WHO clinical stage III of HIV, WHO clinical stage IV of HIV, co-morbid depression, perceived HIV stigma and a family history of suicidal attempts are significantly associated with suicidal ideation.

Being female, having opportunistic infections, having WHO clinical stage III of HIV, having WHO clinical stage IV of co-morbid depression, and having poor social support are significantly associated with suicidal attempts.

Hence, to reduce suicidal ideation and attempts among people living with HIV, much consideration has to be given to modifying the associated factors by strengthening routine anti-retroviral therapy and integrating it with mental health services. Further qualitative studies are suggested to incorporate the lived experience of people living with HIV in the context of suicidal ideation and attempts.

Implications of the results for practice, policy, and future research

The results of this systematic review and meta-analysis on suicidal ideation and attempt on HIV/AIDS patients have potential implications for for practice, policy, and future research.

For practitioner

The finding of this study would be important evidence for clinical practitioners working on ART clinic to give holistic service by giving much emphasis on mental illness including sucidial ideation and attempt, since suicidal ideation and attempt are not given much attention.

For policy maker

The policymakers and program planners would design an integrated holistic approach in the management of people living with HIV/AIDS by considering mental health as a priority.

For future researcher

The high pooled magnitude of suicidal ideation and attempt in the target population reported in this study relative to the general population will be a motive for further research to explore lived experience of people living with HIV in the sucidial ideation and attempt context.

Acknowledgments

We authors of this research work want to acknowledge the authors of the included studies as they are the basis for our investigation.

Abbreviations

AIDS

Acquired Immune-Defciency Syndrome

AOR

Adjusted Odd Ratio

CI

Confdence Interval

CIDI

Composite International Diagnostic Interview

DF

Degree of Freedom

HIV

Human Immune Virus

Data Availability

All relevant data are within the paper.

Funding Statement

The author(s) received no specific funding for this work.

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Decision Letter 0

Chalachew Kassaw Demoze

18 Oct 2023

PONE-D-23-21279Suicidal ideation, attempt, and its associated factors among Adult HIV/AIDS patients in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis studyPLOS ONE

Dear Dr. Bogale,

Thank you for submitting your manuscript to PLOS ONE. After careful consideration, we feel that it has merit but does not fully meet PLOS ONE’s publication criteria as it currently stands. Therefore, we invite you to submit a revised version of the manuscript that addresses the points raised during the review process.

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Additional Editor Comments:

Dear Author , It is a good work

Here are some of the concerns about a paper

1. first it is better to re-write a manuscriput with a correct alpahabetical and grammatical revisions

2. it is better to state a review artclicles on the introduction part of the manuscript , I mean you only stated a primary study

3. It is better not to merege sub group analysis (Amhara vs Harar) , rather it is better to do regional vs adminstarative city analaysis

4. On the discussion part of the manuscrput , please discuss with review articles done between 2013-2023.

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Reviewer #1: Yes

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Reviewer #1: Yes

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Reviewer #1: Dear Editor,

Thank you for the opportunity to review the manuscript entitled “Suicidal ideation, attempt, and its associated factors among Adult HIV/AIDS patients in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis study”. The manuscript is well written. Yet, there are some points the authors should consider and I have tried to put the points section by section.

Dear Authors,

Thank you for your contribution in the field. I have got the opportunity to review your manuscript and found it well written. However, there are some points you need to consider, and I have mentioned them section by section as follows:

Abstract:

Background: The background section of the abstract should focus on stating the problem than defining suicidal attempt and ideation which can be done under the main text. It is good to clearly state the aim /objective of the review.

Results: The result section should highlight the main findings in line with the objective of the study. Accordingly, factors associated with suicidal ideation and/or attempt should be discussed. In addition, detail description of the area specific pooled prevalence might not be very important under the abstract. Rather, you can describe if there is significant geographical heterogeneity.

Conclusion: “The pooled magnitude of suicidal ideation and attempt was high, and factors like advanced stages of AIDS, co-morbid depression, perceived stigma, and poor social support were related to it.” From this statement it is not known whether the factors are associated with suicidal ideation or attempt. Thus, please, make it specific.

Introduction:

The introduction is well framed. Yet, there are some points you need to consider.

1. Your population is PLWIHV. Thus, detailed statement of the problem regarding the general population would not have much significance. Accordingly, please highlight the burden in the general briefly and focus on the burden among HIV people.

Methods:

Data extraction: Was the data extraction done independently by the mentioned authors? What was the remedy if there is a discrepancy between the extracted data? Similarly, for the quality assessment how was it performed?

Results:

Identification of studies: On the PRISMA flowchart, please identify the number of articles identified from each data base. In addition, include the reason of exclusion for the 287 articles in the chart.

It is good to do the subgroup analysis. However, how did you treat the studies conducted in Amhara and Harar together? This is because the heterogeneity with regard to the suicidal ideation still exists when the studies are combined together or how do you explain the persistent heterogeneity?

Please, replace P=0.0000 by P<0.001.

Please, avoid repetitions; for example, the following statements were repeated a number of times….. “The seven studies included in the meta-analysis, three were from Addis Ababa administrative councils [11, 12, 18], and four were from cities found in two regions, Amhara and Harar [10, 13, 19, 20].”

For the factors associated with the suicidal ideation and attempt, it is good to just describe the pooled effect sizes than the study specific effect sizes.

Discussion:

The first paragraph of a discussion should be the highlight of the current study and the main findings. Thus please, describe the highlight of your study and the main findings and then discuss each finding one by one.

Please, make sure that you compare your finding with comparable studies i.e., systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

….. “Our subgroup analysis showed that the pooled prevalence of suicidal ideation among adult HIV/AIDS patients was 24.2% in Addis Ababa administrative councils, higher than the pooled prevalence of suicidal ideation in the city from the regions (Amhara and Harar) of 20.7%. This difference might be due to variations in the level of urbanization.” Please, explain how urbanization is related to suicidal ideation.

Conclusion:

Conclusion is about the implication of your study than the mere figure of the results. Accordingly, please, describe the implication of the pooled prevalence of suicidal ideation and attempt than the proportion itself.

**********

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Reviewer #1: Yes: Leta Adugna Geleta

**********

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PLoS One. 2024 Mar 14;19(3):e0294078. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0294078.r002

Author response to Decision Letter 0


21 Oct 2023

RESPONSE TO EDITOR AND REVIEWERS

RESPONSE TO EDITOR

RESPONSE: Thank you for coordinating the review process and fruitful comments. We have revised the manuscript and addressed Reviewer’s comments.

Journal Requirements:

COMMENT: Journal Requirements:

When submitting your revision, we need you to address these additional requirements.

1. Please ensure that your manuscript meets PLOS ONE's style requirements, including those for file naming. The PLOS ONE style templates can be found at

https://journals.plos.org/plosone/s/file?id=wjVg/PLOSOne_formatting_sample_main_body.pdf and

https://journals.plos.org/plosone/s/file?id=ba62/PLOSOne_formatting_sample_title_authors_affiliations.pdf

RESPONSE: We have checked and attest that all formatting and style requirements have been met and revised based on the guideline

COMMENT: 2. Please review your reference list to ensure that it is complete and correct. If you have cited papers that have been retracted, please include the rationale for doing so in the manuscript text, or remove these references and replace them with relevant current references. Any changes to the reference list should be mentioned in the rebuttal letter that accompanies your revised manuscript. If you need to cite a retracted article, indicate the article’s retracted status in the References list and also include a citation and full reference for the retraction notice.

RESPONSE: Thank you for fruitful comments. We have reviewed our reference list and we got it complete and correct.

COMMENT: Additional Editor Comments:Dear Author , It is a good work

Here are some of the concerns about a paper

1. first it is better to re-write a manuscriput with a correct alpahabetical and grammatical revisions

RESPONSE: Thank you for your kind word and fruitful comments. We have made extensive revision in our manuscript to reduce alpahabetical and grammatical errors.

COMMENT: 2. it is better to state a review artclicles on the introduction part of the manuscript , I mean you only stated a primary study

RESPONSE: Thank you for your kind word and fruitful comments. We have revised it by adding results of study from systematic review and meta analysis.

COMMENT: 3. It is better not to merege sub group analysis (Amhara vs Harar) , rather it is better to do regional vs adminstarative city analaysis

RESPONSE: Thank you for your kind word and fruitful comments. We have seen it and when we see our data we have 3 studies from Amhara Region and only 1 study from Harer. If we classify our subgroup analysis in to 3 such as adminstarative city analaysis, Amhara region and Harer region, we can not address the pooled prevalence in Harer Region since it has a single study. So That, we try to categorize studies in to two based on their homogeneous characteristics and we assumed that all cities from each region in Ethiopia have comparable urbanization and infracture. So that it is better to categorize it in two as adminstarative city and city from Regions. I kindly ask you to consider this during review.

COMMENT: 4. On the discussion part of the manuscrput , please discuss with review articles done between 2013-2023.

RESPONSE: Thank you for your kind word and fruitful comments. We have revised it based on your comment.

RESPONSE TO REVIEWER 1:

Dear Authors,

Thank you for your contribution in the field. I have got the opportunity to review your manuscript and found it well written. However, there are some points you need to consider, and I have mentioned them section by section as follows:

RESPONSE: We thank the reviewer for kind words. We have revised our manuscript based on the comments as described below.

Abstract:

REVIEWER COMMENT:  Background: The background section of the abstract should focus on stating the problem than defining suicidal attempt and ideation which can be done under the main text. It is good to clearly state the aim /objective of the review.

RESPONSE: We thank the reviewer for fruitful comments. We have revised our manuscript based on the comments by deleting definition of suicidal attempt and ideation , and focusing on stating the problem and adding sentence that describe the aim /objective of the review.

REVIEWER COMMENT: Results: The result section should highlight the main findings in line with the objective of the study. Accordingly, factors associated with suicidal ideation and/or attempt should be discussed. In addition, detail description of the area specific pooled prevalence might not be very important under the abstract. Rather, you can describe if there is significant geographical heterogeneity.

RESPONSE: Thank you for fruitful comments. We have revised it by deleting unnecessary detail and by highlighting main findings in line with the objective of the study including factors associated with suicidal ideation and/or attempt.

REVIEWER COMMENT: Conclusion: “The pooled magnitude of suicidal ideation and attempt was high, and factors like advanced stages of AIDS, co-morbid depression, perceived stigma, and poor social support were related to it.” From this statement it is not known whether the factors are associated with suicidal ideation or attempt. Thus, please, make it specific.

RESPONSE: Thank you for fruitful comments. We have revised it to make it clear.

Introduction:

REVIEWER COMMENT: The introduction is well framed. Yet, there are some points you need to consider. 1. Your population is PLWIHV. Thus, detailed statement of the problem regarding the general population would not have much significance. Accordingly, please highlight the burden in the general briefly and focus on the burden among HIV people.

RESPONSE: thank you for fruitful comments. We have revised it based on your comments.

Methods:

REVIEWER COMMENT: Data extraction: Was the data extraction done independently by the mentioned authors? What was the remedy if there is a discrepancy between the extracted data?

RESPONSE: thank you for fruitful comments. We have take the following remedy if a discrepancy between the extracted data were occurred:- During the extraction process, discrepancy between the extracted data were resolved through logical discussion among the three authors, and the final consensus was approved with the participation of authors (NK and HBE).

REVIEWER COMMENT: Similarly, for the quality assessment how was it performed?

RESPONSE: Thank you for fruitful comments. The quality assessment was performed as follow:-

The Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment scale [16] was used to rate the caliber of the research that was considered for the final analysis. This scale allows for possible scores ranging from 0 to 10. On this scale, a score of 8 or more indicated good quality, a score of 3 to 7 indicated moderate quality, and a score of less than this indicated low quality. The quality of the included studies were evaluated by two independent authors (EKB and TF) using the Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment scale [16]. The third author (NK) discussed and resolved any disagreements. Out of the seven studies that were considered, two had moderate quality and five had good quality.

Results:

REVIEWER COMMENT: Identification of studies: On the PRISMA flowchart, please identify the number of articles identified from each data base. In addition, include the reason of exclusion for the 287 articles in the chart.

RESPONSE: Thank you for fruitful comments. We have revised it based on your comments. We have included the number of articles identified from each data base and we have provide reasons of exclusion for the 287 articles in the chart.

REVIEWER COMMENT: It is good to do the subgroup analysis. However, how did you treat the studies conducted in Amhara and Harar together? This is because the heterogeneity with regard to the suicidal ideation still exists when the studies are combined together or how do you explain the persistent heterogeneity?

RESPONSE: Thank you for your kind word and fruitful comments. We have seen it and when we see our data we have 3 studies from Amhara Region and only 1 study from Harer. If we classify our subgroup analysis in to 3 such as adminstarative city analaysis, Amhara region and Harer region, we can not address the pooled prevalence in Harer Region since it has a single study. So That, we try to categorize studies in to two based on their homogeneous characteristics and we assumed that all cities from each region in Ethiopia have comparable urbanization and infrascture. So that it is better to categorize it in two as adminstarative city and city from Regions. We have checked that the source of heterogeneity with regard to the suicidal ideation still exists due to the studies are combined together or not, by re analysing our data by excluding Harer region from the group and we got I2 (%)= 97.33. So that, please try to noticed that persistent heterogeneity in this study not come from combining two regions in one category. It might be due to unexplained other reasons. I kindly ask you to consider this during review.

REVIEWER COMMENT: - replace P=0.0000 by P<0.001 Please, replace P=0.0000 by P<0.001.

RESPONSE: Thank you for fruitful comments. We have revised it by replacing P=0.0000 by P<0.001

REVIEWER COMMENT:- Please, avoid repetitions; for example, the following statements were repeated a number of times….. “The seven studies included in the meta-analysis, three were from Addis Ababa administrative councils [11, 12, 18], and four were from cities found in two regions, Amhara and Harar [10, 13, 19, 20].”

RESPONSE: Thank you for fruitful comments. We have revised it by deleting redundant paragraph as mentioned above.

REVIEWER COMMENT: For the factors associated with the suicidal ideation and attempt, it is good to just describe the pooled effect sizes than the study specific effect sizes.

RESPONSE: Thank you for fruitful comments. We have revised our manuscript by describing the pooled effect sizes rather than the study specific effect sizes.

Discussion:

REVIEWER COMMENT: The first paragraph of a discussion should be the highlight of the current study and the main findings. Thus please, describe the highlight of your study and the main findings and then discuss each finding one by one. Please, make sure that you compare your finding with comparable studies i.e., systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

RESPONSE: Thank you for fruitful comments. We have revised it based on your comment by focusing highlighting of the current study and the main findings as first paragraph of a discussion as following paragraph and then we discussed each finding one by one. Moreover, we make sure for you that we compared our finding with other comparable studies such as systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

In this systematic review and meta-analysis study, seven studies that were conducted between 2013 and 2023 with 2593 participants were analyzed to estimate suicidal ideation, suicidal attempts, and its associated factors among adult HIV/AIDS patients in Ethiopia. All seven studies assessed both suicidal ideation and suicidal attempts as a primary outcome variable. According to this metaanalysis, the pooled prevalence of suicidal ideation and suicidal attempt was 22.1%, and 11.1, respectively. Living alone, having comorbidity or other opportunistic infection, having WHO clinical stage III of HIV, having WHO clinical stage IV of HIV, having co-morbid depression, having perceived HIV stigma and having family history of suicidal attempt were significantly associated with suicidal Ideation. Being female, having opportunistic infections, WHO clinical stage III of HIV, co-morbid depression, having poor social support, and having WHO clinical stage IV were significantly associated with suicidal attempt.

REVIEWER COMMENT:….. “Our subgroup analysis showed that the pooled prevalence of suicidal ideation among adult HIV/AIDS patients was 24.2% in Addis Ababa administrative councils, higher than the pooled prevalence of suicidal ideation in the city from the regions (Amhara and Harar) of 20.7%. This difference might be due to variations in the level of urbanization.” Please, explain how urbanization is related to suicidal ideation.

RESPONSE: Thank you for fruitful comments. In our manuscript, we provide explanation for how urbanization is related to suicidal ideation as follow:-

When we compare cities found in the region and Addis Ababa administrative councils, the level of urbanization is high in Addis Ababa. Numerous issues may arise as a result of urbanisation, including high population density, concentrated poverty, alienation from nature, increased noise and air pollution, and social isolation [31]. Common mental disorders are being diagnosed more frequently, and self-harm and suicide are becoming more common, all of which are related to the general trend towards urban living (32).

Conclusion:

REVIEWER COMMENT: Conclusion is about the implication of your study than the mere figure of the results. Accordingly, please, describe the implication of the pooled prevalence of suicidal ideation and attempt than the proportion itself.

RESPONSE: We thank the reviewer for kind words and fruitful comments. We have revised it by describing the implication of the pooled prevalence of suicidal ideation and attempt than the proportion itself.

Decision Letter 1

Chalachew Kassaw Demoze

23 Oct 2023

PONE-D-23-21279R1Suicidal ideation, attempt, and its associated factors among Adult HIV/AIDS patients in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis studyPLOS ONE

Dear Dr. Bogale,

Thank you for submitting your manuscript to PLOS ONE. After careful consideration, we feel that it has merit but does not fully meet PLOS ONE’s publication criteria as it currently stands. Therefore, we invite you to submit a revised version of the manuscript that addresses the points raised during the review process.

Please submit your revised manuscript by Dec 07 2023 11:59PM. If you will need more time than this to complete your revisions, please reply to this message or contact the journal office at plosone@plos.org. When you're ready to submit your revision, log on to https://www.editorialmanager.com/pone/ and select the 'Submissions Needing Revision' folder to locate your manuscript file.

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We look forward to receiving your revised manuscript.

Kind regards,

Chalachew Kassaw Demoze, Msc

Academic Editor

PLOS ONE

Journal Requirements:

Please review your reference list to ensure that it is complete and correct. If you have cited papers that have been retracted, please include the rationale for doing so in the manuscript text, or remove these references and replace them with relevant current references. Any changes to the reference list should be mentioned in the rebuttal letter that accompanies your revised manuscript. If you need to cite a retracted article, indicate the article’s retracted status in the References list and also include a citation and full reference for the retraction notice.

Additional Editor Comments:

Dear author , You revised the manuscript as per the reviewer's comment.

I do have a concern-associated factor, which is not statistically significant because it includes 1. Therefore, I remind you to look carefully, analyze again, and write a statistically significant variable.

1.62 0.85, 2.39

1.97 0.81, 3.13

1.31 0.77, 1.84

1.69 1.03, 2.35

1.78 1.07, 2.50

0.98 0.13, 1.84

1.08 0.24, 1.91

[Note: HTML markup is below. Please do not edit.]

[NOTE: If reviewer comments were submitted as an attachment file, they will be attached to this email and accessible via the submission site. Please log into your account, locate the manuscript record, and check for the action link "View Attachments". If this link does not appear, there are no attachment files.]

While revising your submission, please upload your figure files to the Preflight Analysis and Conversion Engine (PACE) digital diagnostic tool, https://pacev2.apexcovantage.com/. PACE helps ensure that figures meet PLOS requirements. To use PACE, you must first register as a user. Registration is free. Then, login and navigate to the UPLOAD tab, where you will find detailed instructions on how to use the tool. If you encounter any issues or have any questions when using PACE, please email PLOS at figures@plos.org. Please note that Supporting Information files do not need this step.

PLoS One. 2024 Mar 14;19(3):e0294078. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0294078.r004

Author response to Decision Letter 1


24 Oct 2023

RESPONSE TO EDITOR AND REVIEWERS

RESPONSE TO EDITOR

Response: Thank you for coordinating the review process and making fruitful comments. We have revised the manuscript and addressed the reviewer's comments.

Journal Requirements:

Comment: Journal Requirements:

When submitting your revision, we need you to address these additional requirements.

1. Please ensure that your manuscript meets PLOS ONE's style requirements, including those for file naming. The PLOS-ONE style templates can be found at

https://journals.plos.org/plosone/s/file?id=wjVg/PLOSOne_formatting_sample_main_body.pdf and

https://journals.plos.org/plosone/s/file?id=ba62/PLOSOne_formatting_sample_title_authors_affiliations.pdf

RESPONSE: We have checked and attest that all formatting and style requirements have been met and revised based on the guideline

Comment: 2. Please review your reference list to ensure that it is complete and correct. If you have cited papers that have been retracted, please include the rationale for doing so in the manuscript text, or remove these references and replace them with relevant current references. Any changes to the reference list should be mentioned in the rebuttal letter that accompanies your revised manuscript. If you need to cite a retracted article, indicate the article’s retracted status in the References list and also include a citation and full reference for the retraction notice.

Response: Thank you for your fruitful comments. We have reviewed our reference list, and we found it complete and correct.

COMMENT: Additional Editor Comments:Dear Author , It is good work

Here are some of the concerns about a paper:

1. First, it is better to re-write a manuscript with correct alpahabetical and grammatical revisions

Response: Thank you for your kind words and fruitful comments. We have made extensive revisions to our manuscript to reduce alpahabetical and grammatical errors.

COMMENT: 2. it is better to state a review article on the introduction part of the manuscript , I mean, you only stated a primary study

Response: Thank you for your kind words and fruitful comments. We have revised it by adding the results of the study from a systematic review and meta-analysis.

COMMENT: 3. It is better not to merege sub group analysis (Amhara vs Harar); rather, it is better to do regional vs administrative city analyses.

RESPONSE: Thank you for your kind words and fruitful comments. We have seen it, and when we see our data, we have 3 studies from the Amhara Region and only 1 study from Harer. If we classify our subgroup analysis into 3 groups, such as administrative city analysis, Amhara region, and Harer region, we cannot address the pooled prevalence in Harer region since it is a single study. So that, we try to categorize studies into two based on their homogeneous characteristics, and we assume that all cities from each region in Ethiopia have comparable urbanization and infrastructure. So that it is better to categorize it into two categories: administrative city and city from regions. I kindly ask that you consider this during the review.

Comment: 4. On the discussion part of the manuscript, please discuss the review articles done between 2013 and 2023.

Response: Thank you for your kind words and fruitful comments. We have revised it based on your comment.

Additional Editor Comments:

COMMENT: Dear author , You revised the manuscript as per the reviewer's comment.

I do have a concern-associated factor, which is not statistically significant because it includes 1. Therefore, I remind you to look carefully, analyze again, and write down a statistically significant variable.

1.62 0.85, 2.39

1.97 0.81, 3.13

1.31 0.77, 1.84

1.69 1.03, 2.35

1.78 1.07, 2.50

0.98 0.13, 1.84

1.08 0.24, 1.91

Response: Thank you for your kind words and fruitful, constructive follow-up comments. We have revised it based on your comment, and we rewrite it again in detail.

Response to Reviewer 1:

Dear Authors,

Thank you for your contribution in the field. I have had the opportunity to review your manuscript and found it well written. However, there are some points you need to consider, and I have mentioned them section by section as follows:

RESPONSE: We thank the reviewer for kind words. We have revised our manuscript based on the comments as described below.

Abstract:

REVIEWER COMMENT:  Background: The background section of the abstract should focus on stating the problem rather than defining suicidal attempts and ideation, which can be done under the main text. It is good to clearly state the aim or objective of the review.

Response: We thank the reviewer for fruitful comments. We have revised our manuscript based on the comments by deleting the definition of suicidal attempt and ideation, focusing on stating the problem, and adding sentences that describe the aim or objective of the review.

REVIEWER COMMENT: Results: The result section should highlight the main findings in line with the objective of the study. Accordingly, factors associated with suicidal ideation and/or attempts should be discussed. In addition, a detailed description of the area-specific pooled prevalence might not be very important in the abstract. Rather, you can describe if there is significant geographical heterogeneity.

Response: Thank you for your fruitful comments. We have revised it by deleting unnecessary detail and highlighting the main findings in line with the objective of the study, including factors associated with suicidal ideation and/or attempt.

REVIEWER COMMENT: Conclusion: “The pooled magnitude of suicidal ideation and attempt was high, and factors like advanced stages of AIDS, co-morbid depression, perceived stigma, and poor social support were related to it.” From this statement, it is not known whether the factors are associated with suicidal ideation or attempts. Thus, please make it specific.

Response: Thank you for your fruitful comments. We have revised it to make it clear.

Introduction:

REVIEWER COMMENT: The introduction is well framed. Yet, there are some points you need to consider. 1. Your population is PLWIHV. Thus, a detailed statement of the problem regarding the general population would not have much significance. Accordingly, please highlight the burden in general briefly and focus on the burden among HIV people.

RESPONSE: thank you for fruitful comments. We have revised it based on your comments.

Methods:

REVIEWER COMMENT: Data extraction: Was the data extraction done independently by the mentioned authors? What was the remedy if there is a discrepancy between the extracted data?

RESPONSE: thank you for fruitful comments. We have take the following remedy if a discrepancy between the extracted data were occurred:- During the extraction process, discrepancy between the extracted data were resolved through logical discussion among the three authors, and the final consensus was approved with the participation of authors (NK and HBE).

REVIEWER COMMENT: Similarly, for the quality assessment how was it performed?

RESPONSE: Thank you for fruitful comments. The quality assessment was performed as follow:-

The Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment scale [16] was used to rate the caliber of the research that was considered for the final analysis. This scale allows for possible scores ranging from 0 to 10. On this scale, a score of 8 or more indicated good quality, a score of 3 to 7 indicated moderate quality, and a score of less than this indicated low quality. The quality of the included studies were evaluated by two independent authors (EKB and TF) using the Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment scale [16]. The third author (NK) discussed and resolved any disagreements. Out of the seven studies that were considered, two had moderate quality and five had good quality.

Results:

REVIEWER COMMENT: Identification of studies: On the PRISMA flowchart, please identify the number of articles identified from each data base. In addition, include the reason of exclusion for the 287 articles in the chart.

RESPONSE: Thank you for fruitful comments. We have revised it based on your comments. We have included the number of articles identified from each data base and we have provide reasons of exclusion for the 287 articles in the chart.

REVIEWER COMMENT: It is good to do the subgroup analysis. However, how did you treat the studies conducted in Amhara and Harar together? This is because the heterogeneity with regard to the suicidal ideation still exists when the studies are combined together or how do you explain the persistent heterogeneity?

RESPONSE: Thank you for your kind word and fruitful comments. We have seen it and when we see our data we have 3 studies from Amhara Region and only 1 study from Harer. If we classify our subgroup analysis in to 3 such as adminstarative city analaysis, Amhara region and Harer region, we can not address the pooled prevalence in Harer Region since it has a single study. So That, we try to categorize studies in to two based on their homogeneous characteristics and we assumed that all cities from each region in Ethiopia have comparable urbanization and infrascture. So that it is better to categorize it in two as adminstarative city and city from Regions. We have checked that the source of heterogeneity with regard to the suicidal ideation still exists due to the studies are combined together or not, by re analysing our data by excluding Harer region from the group and we got I2 (%)= 97.33. So that, please try to noticed that persistent heterogeneity in this study not come from combining two regions in one category. It might be due to unexplained other reasons. I kindly ask you to consider this during review.

REVIEWER COMMENT: - replace P=0.0000 by P<0.001 Please, replace P=0.0000 by P<0.001.

RESPONSE: Thank you for fruitful comments. We have revised it by replacing P=0.0000 by P<0.001

REVIEWER COMMENT:- Please, avoid repetitions; for example, the following statements were repeated a number of times….. “The seven studies included in the meta-analysis, three were from Addis Ababa administrative councils [11, 12, 18], and four were from cities found in two regions, Amhara and Harar [10, 13, 19, 20].”

RESPONSE: Thank you for fruitful comments. We have revised it by deleting redundant paragraph as mentioned above.

REVIEWER COMMENT: For the factors associated with the suicidal ideation and attempt, it is good to just describe the pooled effect sizes than the study specific effect sizes.

RESPONSE: Thank you for fruitful comments. We have revised our manuscript by describing the pooled effect sizes rather than the study specific effect sizes.

Discussion:

REVIEWER COMMENT: The first paragraph of a discussion should be the highlight of the current study and the main findings. Thus please, describe the highlight of your study and the main findings and then discuss each finding one by one. Please, make sure that you compare your finding with comparable studies i.e., systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

RESPONSE: Thank you for fruitful comments. We have revised it based on your comment by focusing highlighting of the current study and the main findings as first paragraph of a discussion as following paragraph and then we discussed each finding one by one. Moreover, we make sure for you that we compared our finding with other comparable studies such as systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

In this systematic review and meta-analysis study, seven studies that were conducted between 2013 and 2023 with 2593 participants were analyzed to estimate suicidal ideation, suicidal attempts, and its associated factors among adult HIV/AIDS patients in Ethiopia. All seven studies assessed both suicidal ideation and suicidal attempts as a primary outcome variable. According to this metaanalysis, the pooled prevalence of suicidal ideation and suicidal attempt was 22.1%, and 11.1, respectively. Living alone, having comorbidity or other opportunistic infection, having WHO clinical stage III of HIV, having WHO clinical stage IV of HIV, having co-morbid depression, having perceived HIV stigma and having family history of suicidal attempt were significantly associated with suicidal Ideation. Being female, having opportunistic infections, WHO clinical stage III of HIV, co-morbid depression, having poor social support, and having WHO clinical stage IV were significantly associated with suicidal attempt.

REVIEWER COMMENT:….. “Our subgroup analysis showed that the pooled prevalence of suicidal ideation among adult HIV/AIDS patients was 24.2% in Addis Ababa administrative councils, higher than the pooled prevalence of suicidal ideation in the city from the regions (Amhara and Harar) of 20.7%. This difference might be due to variations in the level of urbanization.” Please, explain how urbanization is related to suicidal ideation.

RESPONSE: Thank you for fruitful comments. In our manuscript, we provide explanation for how urbanization is related to suicidal ideation as follow:-

When we compare cities found in the region and Addis Ababa administrative councils, the level of urbanization is high in Addis Ababa. Numerous issues may arise as a result of urbanisation, including high population density, concentrated poverty, alienation from nature, increased noise and air pollution, and social isolation [31]. Common mental disorders are being diagnosed more frequently, and self-harm and suicide are becoming more common, all of which are related to the general trend towards urban living (32).

Conclusion:

REVIEWER COMMENT: Conclusion is about the implication of your study than the mere figure of the results. Accordingly, please, describe the implication of the pooled prevalence of suicidal ideation and attempt than the proportion itself.

RESPONSE: We thank the reviewer for kind words and fruitful comments. We have revised it by describing the implication of the pooled prevalence of suicidal ideation and attempt than the proportion itself.

Attachment

Submitted filename: Response to Reviewers.docx

pone.0294078.s001.docx (25.1KB, docx)

Decision Letter 2

Chalachew Kassaw Demoze

25 Oct 2023

Suicidal ideation, attempt, and its associated factors among Adult HIV/AIDS patients in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis study

PONE-D-23-21279R2

Dear Dr Eyob 

We’re pleased to inform you that your manuscript has been judged scientifically suitable for publication and will be formally accepted for publication once it meets all outstanding technical requirements.

Within one week, you’ll receive an e-mail detailing the required amendments. When these have been addressed, you’ll receive a formal acceptance letter and your manuscript will be scheduled for publication.

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Kind regards,

Chalachew Kassaw Demoze, Msc

Academic Editor

PLOS ONE

Additional Editor Comments (optional):

Dear author , it is good that you revised accordingly

I want to notice some issues

1. Please carefully revise the spelling and grammar. Still, there are a lot of these problems.

2. Please revise a discussion and describe it precisely.

Reviewers' comments:

Acceptance letter

Chalachew Kassaw Demoze

2 Mar 2024

PONE-D-23-21279R2

PLOS ONE

Dear Dr. Bogale,

I'm pleased to inform you that your manuscript has been deemed suitable for publication in PLOS ONE. Congratulations! Your manuscript is now being handed over to our production team.

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on behalf of

Mr Chalachew Kassaw Demoze

Academic Editor

PLOS ONE

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    Submitted filename: Response to Reviewers.docx

    pone.0294078.s001.docx (25.1KB, docx)

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