Self-injury and suicide attempt among the elderly population in the city of São Paulo

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective In this perspective, the present research aims to describe the reports of self-injury and suicide attempt among the elderly population living in the city of São Paulo. Methods This is a descriptive, quantitative approach based on Violence and Accidents Surveillance Information System (SIVVA) of the city of São Paulo. In the selection of notifications, it was included the ones related to self-injury and attempted suicide against men and women, with age group between 60 and over, from January to December 2014 in the city of São Paulo, Southeastern Region of Brazil. Results During 2014, 93 cases of self-injury and attempted suicide were reported among elderly people living in the city of São Paulo. The main instruments used by the elderly population in the analyzed period were poisoning (41.9%), other means (34.4%), cold weapon (15.1%), high precipitation places (4.3%), hanging or suffocation (3.2%), and firearm (1.1%). Conclusion From the results of this study it was possible to characterize some specific aspects related to self-injury and suicide attempt among elderly in the evaluated population. Therefore, developing a strategy to promote effective prevention actions and offer specialized services to most risk groups (brown races, people with lower levels of education, and males).

Keywords

• Aged
• suicide
• attempted
• mental health
• prevention and control.