Suicide rates in Fortaleza increased 157% in ten years

Objective: to analyze suicide rates between 2000-2009 in Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil. Methodology: Data was obtained from Ceará's Institute of Forensic Medicine (PEFOCE). Estimated population by year was obtained from the Unified Health System (DATASUS). Results: A total of 1903 suicide cases were registered in Fortaleza, between 2000 and 2009. The distribution of methods was analyzed using the variables gender, age and year. Around 80% of the cases were male, corresponding to 4.3 male to female suicide rate. The most common suicide method was hanging, followed by poisoning, firearms, and jumping from heights. Among males, hanging was the most prevalent suicide method, followed by poisoning; while in females poisoning was the most prevalent method, followed by hanging. Almost half of all suicides in the study were by hanging. Conclusions: The classification of death as suicide is subject to interpretation of the coroner. Local published literature about this problem is sparse. Understanding suicide methods may provide support to more effective suicide prevention programs.