Profile Socio-Demographic and Clinical of Suicide Victims in Brusque County, Santa Catarina, Brazil, Between 2012 and 2015

Abstract

Introduction

Among the main causes of mortality in the world stands out approximately 1 million deaths due to suicide. In Brazil, this is the third cause of death due to external factors, being 5.3 the average rate per 100,000 inhabitants. The state of Santa Catarina ranks second in the national ranking with an index of 8.6. According to WHO, it is necessary to detect probable suicide risk factors once information can prevent deaths.

Aim

Identify socio-demographic and clinical profile of suicide victims in Brusque County, State of Santa Catarina, Brazil, between 2012 and 2015.

Methods

Observational, descriptive and quantitative study, with analysis of 60 police investigations with suicide records, occurred from January 2012 to December 2015, in Brusque County.

Results

The suicide was 15.29 per 100,000 inhabitants. The victims had an average age of 46.51, and ±2.12 (SD). Among them, 67.5% suffered from depression and 88% received pharmacological treatment. Regarding marital status, 59% were married or living in a stable union. Men accounted for 78% of the sample. Death by hanging occurred in 65% of cases and 22% previous attempts were recorded, and in 15%, it was mentioned suicidal intent. Among the reasons for the act, it was highlighted family member's death. Given the underreporting, such data may be even more significant.

Conclusions

The observed rates were significantly higher than the state and national rates. Prevention strategies can be focused on early diagnosis and treatment of depression in middle-aged men, and who had recent loss of a family member.

Disclosure of interest

The author has not supplied his/her declaration of competing interest.