Suicide trend among Brazilian adolescents between 1997 and 2016^*

Abstract

Objective  To analyze the suicide mortality trend among Brazilian adolescents from 1997 to 2016.

Methods  This is an ecological time series study; Prais-Winsten regression was used.

Results  14,852 suicide deaths were recorded, with mortality rates per 100,000 inhabitants of 1.95 in 1997, 2.65 in 2016 and average of 2.14 for the period 1997-2016; deaths predominated in males (67.59%), as well as deaths due to intentional self-harm (84.19%) and suicides at home (52.69%); the Midwest region had the highest rate in the period (3.71/100,000 inhabitants), in particular the state of Mato Grosso do Sul (8.3/100,000 inhabitants); the suicide trend rose 1.35% per annum in the general adolescent population (95%CI 0.56;2.15), 1.63% in males (95%CI 0.56;2.29), 3.11% in the North (95%CI 2.25;3.98) and 4.19% in the Northeast (95%CI 2.58;5.84).

Conclusion  Suicide mortality in Brazilian adolescents showed an upward trend in the period studied.

Suicide; Adolescents; Time Series Studies; Public Health