Suicide profiles in a municipality of the Legal Amazon

Abstract Introduction Suicide is a global public health problem and is among the leading causes of death worldwide. Thus, this study aimed to study the occurrence and characterize the suicide cases recorded in a municipality of the Legal Amazon, between the years of 1999 and 2016. Method We performed an epidemiological descriptive and transversal study including all cases registered as suicides at the Institute of Forensic Medicine (IFM) of Barra do Garças, Mato Grosso. Results Suicide rates ranged from 8.6 (2014) to 20.3 (2003). There was a higher frequency in males (76.6%) and in adults (78.1%). The most common form of suicide was asphyxiation (49.6%), followed by intoxications (27.0%), mainly by pesticides (60.9%). April was the month with the highest number of suicides (13.1%), and February (5.1%) had the lowest. Sundays were the day of the week with a higher incidence (17.5%). Conclusions In conclusion, male adults are more likely to commit self-harm. Thus, there is a need for more research on public health and prevention strategies, also considering more effective actions according to the profile of the victims.