Attempted suicide in a small rural town in the State of Minas Gerais (Brazil): incidence and clinical-demographic profile

Abstract

The World Health Organization (WHO) published the first Global Report Data for prevention of suicide, in 2014, revealing that more than 800 thousand people give their own lives every year in the world. The survey also says that every 40 seconds a person commits suicide and about 75% of the cases occur in middle-income countries, considered, then, a problem 

of public health. In the State of Minas Gerais (Central-southern
Brazil), according to official estimates (DATASUS) mortality
from suicide between the years 2005 and 2009 averaged 5.28
per 100,000 inhabitants. The present study is a retrospective,
cross-sectional survey to determine suicide-related data from
patients treated at the Paracatu Municipal Hospital MG. Eightyfour
medical files of patients who attempted suicide in 2012
were revisited. The results showed a higher incidence of females
among those who attempted suicide (mean age 16.2 years), and
the most used methods for suicide attempt was intoxication with
drugs and poisonous substances (predominantly rodenticides).
For most patients suicide attempt was a consequence of an
impulsive act, fortunately ineffective in the majority of cases.
Recurrent cases of attempted suicide were referred to specialized
medical or psychological attention. We conclude that ion view
of the high number of cases of suicide attempt in Paracatu, the
creation of prevention programs about self-extermination and
better consultation liaison programs increasing the interaction
between emergency and outpatient facilities are critical needs.