PROFILE OF MORTALITY FROM VOLUNTARILY SELF-INJURY IN BRAZIL FROM 2010 TO 2020: EPIDEMIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS

Abstract

Self-inflicted injury is a behavior in which a person intentionally causes physical harm to  himself. These behaviors appear in a broad spectrum and are directly associated with psychiatric disorders. Suicide, in turn, is a serious public health problem. This study aimed to outline an  epidemiological profile of mortality from self-inflicted injuries in different Brazilian regions  between the years 2010 and 2020. A descriptive study with a mixed approach was conducted,  analyzing data by region in the aforementioned period. Data was obtained from the Mortality  Information System (SIM), made available by the Department of Informatics of the Unified  Health System (DATASUS). Records of deaths from self-harm across the country were  collected and the variables of interest were evaluated using descriptive analyses. The results  revealed a 46.7% increase in the number of deaths from self-injury in the analyzed period and  an epidemiological profile characterized by a higher prevalence of mortality from self-harm in  males, aged between 30 and 39 years and with a degree of schooling between 4 and 7 years of  study. Significant regional variations were observed, with an increase in the age group of  individuals who commit self-harm following a growing trend from the North to the South of  the country, as well as differences in terms of education in the Midwest and South regions.  These results highlight the importance of implementing prevention strategies and targeted  public policies, considering the regional, socioeconomic and psychosocial specificities  involved. The findings of this study provide valuable subsidies for the reduction of morbidity  and mortality associated with this serious public health problem in Brazil.