Time-trend analysis of suicide and of health information systems in relation to suicide attempts

Abstract

Objective: to analyze the epidemiological profile of cases of suicide and suicide attempts on the databases of the Mortality Information System and Information System for Notifiable Diseases and the time trend of suicide mortality. Method: quantitative and time-series study, the databases of the Mortality Information System for deaths by suicide and the Information System of Notifiable Diseases were used to analyze cases of suicide attempts and deaths by suicide reported by exogenous auto intoxication and self-destructing violence, in the city of Uberaba/Minas Gerais/Brazil. Results: 169 suicide attempts and 11 deaths by suicide were analyzed. The Mortality Information System is more sensitive to the capture of deaths by suicide than the Information System of Notifiable Diseases. In the suicide attempts of females the use of medicines and poisoning stand out, between the ages of 15 and 29. In the Mortality Information System, suicide occurred mainly between the ages of 30 and 59, especially for men, and the main means of aggression were hanging followed by self-intoxication. The time series presented a growing trend of 0.065 per year and negative acceleration of 0.007. Conclusion: the suicide attempt is prevalent in adolescents and young adults; women attempt to suicide more than men, and through less aggressive methods. Mortality is highest between the ages of 30 and 49, 45.4% by hanging. The time series analysis indicated an increasing trend and higher incidence for males.