Epidemiological Analysis of Suicide in Brazil From 1980 to 2006

Data on suicide mortality rates were collected from the Information Technology Department of the Brazilian Public Health System. A total of 158,952 suicides were registered between 1980-2006, excluding persons less than 10 years old (68 cases). The suicide rate increased from 4.4 to 5.7 per 100,000 population. Higher rates were found in the south and central-west regions. Men were more likely to die by suicide. The highest rates were found in those 70 years & older while the highest increases were found in the 20-59-year age bracket. The most dominant social-demographic characteristics were low educational level & being single. (54 refs.)