Citation

Silva JAS, Silva CN, Silva J.A.S. J, Silva LN, Silva DN. Rev. Bras. Neurol. Psiquiatr. 1999; 3(1): 19-25.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1999, Editora Científica Nacional)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The authors of this paper have studied the epidemiological aspects of suicide cases reported in the city of Salvador (BA), between Jan/96 and Dec/97. A survey of files containing suicide accounts, all catalogued by the Legal Medical Institution 'Nina Rodrigues' within the last two years, has been carried out. The cadaveric reports made by the medical experts, as well as their respective admission forms for legal medical exams, have been analysed. The survey has also made use of indirect sources of information, concerning suicide rates. In addition, the suicide indices registered since 1928 have been analysed, as well as their evolution up to the present moment. Their respective epidemiological data, such as age, sex, marital status, month, day, and hour the suicide happened, as well as the method used, have been taken into consideration.

CONCLUSIONS show that suicide has occurred more often amongst single men between 21 and 30 years of age. The preferential method used in such a practice was hanging. Evidence proves that the suicide rate/100,000 inhabitants is not increasing as the press has notified. Finally, with the aim of improving future investigation on the subject, it is a must that clerks from the Legal Medical Institution fill in admission forms in a more accurate way.

Language: pt

Keywords

adolescent; adult; aged; article; Brazil; epidemiological data; female; health survey; human; incidence; major clinical study; male; medicolegal aspect; mortality; school child; suicidal behavior; suicide; Suicide; Suicide/epidemiology; Suicide/Salvador