Understanding Despair: A Narrative Review of Suicidality Rate and Their Contributing Factors Among Tribal Communities in India

BACKGROUND: Suicidality among tribal people is a significant issue that has been neglected for decades worldwide. Despite constituting a substantial segment of society, research related to their well-being is still in infancy. AIM: This study aims to understand the prevalence of suicidality, its predictors, and the risk factors among the tribal communities in India. METHODS: This narrative review focuses on identifying peer-reviewed publications from databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, as well as government reports, that highlight the predominant factors influencing suicidality; and determining how these factors affect the overall well-being of tribal population. RESULTS: This review summarises various predisposing factors that contribute to suicidal ideation, nonfatal suicidal behaviour, and death by suicide among the tribal population. Factors such as socioeconomic disparity, the erosion of traditional livelihoods, poverty, and other structural inadequacies, as well as limited access to mental healthcare, significantly impact the overall mental health of these individuals. CONCLUSIONS: Present study indicates a pressing need for mental health interventions and for designing policies to mitigate structural disadvantages while keeping in view the cultural aspects of these communities. Additionally, it emphasizes the need for further extensive investigation to gain a more nuanced understanding of this issue of utmost concern.