Tentativas de suicídio por intoxicação exógena notificadas no Brasil no período de 2012 a 2021

Abstract

Introduction: Poisoning by exogenous substances, such as medications and pesticides, has been occupying a prominent place as a means used in suicide attempts. Analyzing the rate, demographic pattern and methods of suicide attempts are key components for preventing suicide, considered an important public health problem. Objective: To analyze suicide attempts due to exogenous poisoning notified in Brazil from 2012 to 2021. Methods: This is an epidemiological study with a quantitative approach and descriptive nature of suicide attempts that used exogenous poisoning as a means in individuals aged 10 years or over, reported from 2012 to 2021, recorded in the Information System for Notifiable Diseases through the Exogenous Poisoning Investigation Form. Data were consulted and extracted from the Ministry of Health/DATASUS website using Tabwin. The variables were described using absolute and relative frequency measures. A temporal trend analysis of the rates was performed using the Joinpoint regression method according to sex, age group, and region of the country. Results: During the study period, 516,090 cases of attempted suicide by exogenous poisoning in individuals aged 10 years or over were reported in Brazil. Of the total, 73.16% of cases occurred in females and 54.12% were white. Regarding age, 26.71% were between 10 and 19 years old, 50.58% between 20 and 39 years old and 19.95% between 40 and 59 years old. Regarding the region of notification, 49.98% of cases occurred in the southeast region of the country, followed by the south region with 22.69% of reported cases. Medications were the agents used in 80.01% of cases. There was a significant upward trend in cases of attempted suicide by exogenous poisoning (13.10% per year), with this growth being more pronounced for females and young age groups in all regions. The highest rate in the series was recorded in 2019 (42.91 cases per 100,000 inhabitants). Conclusion: It is expected that the data presented can support the development of appropriate strategies for promoting life and preventing suicide attempts.