Epidemiological profile and temporal trend of suicide mortality in adolescents

ABSTRACT Objective To describe the epidemiological profile and analyze the time trend of suicide mortality among adolescents (10-19 years old) from the Brazilian Northeast, from 2001 to 2015. Methods This is an observational study, which took place in the Northeast region, Brazil. The study period was from 2001 to 2015. Deaths from intentional self-harm (X60 to X84). exogenous poisoning of undetermined intent (Y10 to Y19) and intentional self-harm (Y87.0) were considered, according to the 10th Review of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10), for adolescents aged 10 to 19 years. The variables analyzed were: sex, age group, race / color, specific ICD, state of residence and suicide mortality rate/100,000 inhabitants. Results There were 3,194 deaths due to suicide in the age group studied, with a male predominance (62.1%; n = 1,984), age group 15 to 19 years (84.8%; n = 2,707), race/brown color (65.4%; n = 2,090); between 4 and 7 years of schooling (31.7%; n = 1,011) and at CID X70 (47.8%; n = 1,528). The time trend of mortality was increasing from 2001 to 2015 (APC: 2.4%; p < 0.01), with higher rates in males. There was an increasing trend in the suicide rate, among men, throughout the period (AAPC: 2.9%; p < 0.01). In women, a decreasing trend was identified as of 2004 (APC: -2.2%; p < 0.01). Conclusion The epidemiological profile was characterized by male gender, age group 15-19 years, color/brown race and average schooling. The trend showed a growth pattern in males and a decline in females. It is recommended that public policies are aimed at the adolescent population.