Suicide Among Young People in Selected Brazilian State Capitals

This study analyzes suicide among young Brazilians (15-24 yrs old) in the 9 metropolitan areas. Mortality data for 1979-1998 were obtained from the Mortality Information System of the Ministry of Health. External causes are the main causes of death among youth, & suicide is the 6th most frequent of these causes. The distribution is heterogeneous, varying according to the social stratum, specific age group, sex, & means used to commit suicide. All cities analyzed showed increased suicide rates from 1979 to 1998. The principal means used by youth to commit suicide were hanging, strangling, & suffocation, followed by firearms & explosives. (52 refs)