OBJECTIVE:To describe mortality from suicide in Brazil, with emphasis on the older adult population.
METHODS:Temporal analysis and trend analysis by polynomial regression were conducted on suicide in the population above 10 years old in Brazil and the State of Rio de Janeiro (Southeastern Brazil) from 1980-2006. The data were extracted from the Mortality Information System, and the rates calculated by gender and age per 100,000 inhabitants, considering the resident population provided by DATASUS. For the period between 1980 and 1995, the ninth revision of International Statistical Classifi cation of Diseases and Related Health Problems was used, and for 1996 to 2006, the tenth revision.
RESULTS:Suicide rates signifi cantly increased in Brazil and in Rio de Janeiro (respectively reaching 5.7 and 3.1 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants in 2006). The change was caused by the increase in suicides among the male population at all ages. The increase occurred especially among men over 60 years. In Rio de Janeiro, the increase was not statistically signifi cant among men, while there was a decrease among women. The principal means utilized for suicide by men were hanging, suffocation, strangulation and fi rearms. For women, death by hanging also ranks fi rst, followed by ingestion of solids or liquids, smoke or fi re, and jumping from heights. The high rate of suicide by unspecifi ed means reveals problems with data quality.
CONCLUSIONS:Suicides are important events in the male population, especially among older men over time. In Rio de Janeiro, the suicide rate is also higher in men, although the difference is not statistically signifi cant. According to the World Health Organization and the Ministry of Health, suicide is preventable, and established interventions exist for each age group.
Apresenta-se uma análise sobre o impacto do suicídio de idosos, na dinâmica de suas famílias. O artigo é fruto de um tipo de pesquisa qualitativa a que se denomina autópsia psicossocial e está baseado em entrevistas com familiares de 51 idosos suicidas de 10 cidades brasileiras. O estudo nessas localidades foi definido por levantamento epidemiológico que revelou a relevância do fenômeno. Foram vários os temas analisados na investigação. Mas este texto se debruça sobre como a família enfrentou a morte da pessoa idosa, suas impressões sobre o ato e as repercussões nos seus membros e na rede social. A partir da análise compreensiva dos depoimentos, foram construídos os seguintes núcleos de sentido: culpa pelo ato, isolamento social e suas manifestações na saúde, estigma e preconceito social, sofrimento familiar e perspectivas de superação, raiva e crença na improbabilidade do ato e atenção aos familiares. As famílias manifestaram sofrimento, tristeza e perplexidade pela morte do idoso, o que influi e tem repercussões na sua dinâmica e no âmbito individual. Tais consequências são diferenciadas nos locais pesquisados e dependendo das experiências da família com atos dessa natureza.
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