When the only solution is death: suicide among male and female workers in Brazil

Abstract

An ecological study that assessed the frequency of suicides in Brazil in the 14-65 age group, with data reported on the MIS. Objectives: to describe the time-trend of suicides during the period 2010-19, and evaluate the socio-occupational profile of occurrences, exploring aspects connecting suicide and work. We analyzed the percentage distribution, proportional percentage variation (PPV) estimates, and mortality rates (MRs), with population data from IBGE, RAIS, and occupation surveys. Between 2010-19, suicides showed a sustained upward trend (global PPV = 60.1%) which was higher in men (PPV = 62.8%) than women (PPV = 51.4%). The MR was 8.1 suicides/100,000 people of a working age. The risk of suicide was 3.5 times higher in men than women. In 2019, the MR among self-declared indigenous people (19.5/100,000) and agricultural workers (21.7/100,000) is highlighted. Hanging was the most commonly used method (71.4%). The evolution of suicide and accentuated vulnerability in the self-declared indigenous population and agricultural workers is of great concern. The expansion of affected occupations is also highlighted, indicating its dissemination and relevance for attention to characteristics of surveillance work and the control of suicide.