biostudies-literatureUnknown24(1)Wu Y<h4>Background</h4>Studies on the prevalence of suicidal ideation (SI) and its associated factors among the elderly in China show considerable variability. This meta-analysis aims to clarify the epidemiological features of SI in this population.<h4>Methods</h4>We systematically searched English and Chinese databases for relevant literature up to September 15, 2022. The extracted data facilitated the calculation of prevalence and odds ratios (ORs) for factors associated with SI among China's elderly.<h4>Results</h4>We analyzed 31 cross-sectional studies, comprising a total of 79,861 participants from over 20 provinces and municipalities. The pooled prevalence of SI was found to be 11.47% [95% confidence interval (CI): 7.82-15.71%]. Significant variations in prevalence were influenced by resBMC psychiatry562https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC11330032biostudies-literatureEpidemiological features of suicidal ideation among the elderly in China based meta-analysis.PMC11330032Zhong PSu BZheng XChen CWu YZhao YfalseEpidemiological features of suicidal ideation among the elderly in China based meta-analysis.<h4>Background</h4>Studies on the prevalence of suicidal ideation (SI) and its associated factors among the elderly in China show considerable variability. This meta-analysis aims to clarify the epidemiological features of SI in this population.<h4>Methods</h4>We systematically searched English and Chinese databases for relevant literature up to September 15, 2022. The extracted data facilitated the calculation of prevalence and odds ratios (ORs) for factors associated with SI among China's elderly.<h4>Results</h4>We analyzed 31 cross-sectional studies, comprising a total of 79,861 participants from over 20 provinces and municipalities. The pooled prevalence of SI was found to be 11.47% [95% confidence interval (CI): 7.82-15.71%]. Significant variations in prevalence were influenced by res2024-01-01T00:00:00Z2024 Aug2026-04-08T01:24:26.485Z2025-04-19T20:41:01.761ZS-EPMC113300323915400010.1186/s12888-024-06010-9