Epidemiology of Suicide in Brazil (1980-2000): Characterization of age and Gender Rates of Suicide

The authors describe the suicide rates in Brazil in recent decades, drawing comparisons with the worldwide epidemiological situation. Their analyses of Brazilian suicide trends revealed that the overall rate of suicide in Brazil increased 21% in 20 years. Men were found to be 2.3 to 4.0 times more likely to die by suicide than were women, & the highest suicide rates were found in the over-65 age group. The greatest increase in suicide rates (1900%) was seen in the 15-24 age range. (18 refs)