Panorama epidemiológico da mortalidade e tentativas de suicídio em Sergipe de 2013 a 2023

Abstract

Suicide is a complex, multifactorial, and historically persistent phenomenon. It currently represents one of the leading causes of preventable death worldwide, accounting for approximately 720,000 deaths annually, affecting mainly men and young people. In Brazil, between 2013 and 2023, more than 144,000 cases were recorded, with an increasing trend, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this context, the present study aims to describe the epidemiological profile of suicide in the state of Sergipe, based on DATASUS data, encompassing mortality and suicide attempts, characterizing the sociodemographic profile of victims, identifying methods used, comparing fatal and non-fatal cases, and describing temporal evolution and geographical distribution, contextualizing Sergipe’s situation in relation to national averages. This is an descriptive, quantitative time-series study using secondary data from DATASUS on suicides and attempts in Sergipe between 2013 and 2023, including records from SIM, SIH, and SINAN compatible with ICD-10 codes X60–X84, as well as population data from IBGE. Data were analyzed using Excel, with calculations of frequencies, rates adjusted per 100,000 inhabitants, and temporal trend and correlation analyses. As it used public and anonymous data, ethical approval was not required. Between 2013 and 2023, Sergipe recorded 1,425 suicide deaths, predominantly among men (78.4%), young adults (20–39 years), single individuals (68.8%), and those self-identified as brown (83.2%), with hanging as the main method (62.4%). Municipalities such as Macambira and São Domingos showed the highest average rates. Suicide attempts occurred mainly among young women (72%), with poisoning as the main method (71.3%), while hospitalizations were more common among men (69.7%) due to sharp injuries (31.6%). A significant upward trend was observed in notifications (APC = 48.5%), but not in hospitalizations. A strong positive correlation between suicide and attempt rates was identified (r = 0.83; p = 0.0017), suggesting a relationship between the increase in attempts and deaths over time. Differences between fatal and non-fatal profiles, along with the rising trend and higher incidence in small municipalities, reinforce the need for regionally focused preventive strategies, professional training, and strengthened surveillance systems to guide more effective public policies for suicide prevention.