INTERPERSONAL AND SELF-INFLICTED VIOLENCE IN IMPERATRIZ, MARANHÃO, BRAZIL: EPIDEMIOLOGICAL PROFILE AND PUBLIC HEALTH IMPLICATIONS

Abstract

This study aimed to describe the epidemiological profile of interpersonal and self-inflicted violence in Imperatriz, Maranhão, Brazil, from 2015 to 2024, and to discuss its public health implications. This is a retrospective descriptive epidemiological study based on secondary data from the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN), analyzing sociodemographic characteristics of victims and event-related variables through frequency distribution and temporal trends. A progressive increase in reported cases was observed over time, with a predominance of female victims, particularly among young and adult women, as well as significant occurrences among children, adolescents, and older adults. Physical violence was the most frequent type, followed by psychological, sexual, and self-inflicted violence, mostly occurring in the home environment. Relevant data incompleteness and evidence of underreporting were identified, especially in self-inflicted cases. It is concluded that interpersonal and self-inflicted violence in Imperatriz represents a significant public health problem associated with social inequalities and structural vulnerabilities, highlighting the need to strengthen epidemiological surveillance and intersectoral public policies.