Self-injury and suicide attempt among the elderly population in the city of São Paulo

Jane De Eston Armond,Cléo Chinaia,Tatiana Cristina Pereira,Thiago Leão Vendramini,Cintia Leci Rodrigues,Rodrigo De Eston Armond

doi:10.1590/0047-2085000000154

Jane De Eston Armond, Cléo Chinaia + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1590/0047-2085000000154

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Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective In this perspective, the present research aims to describe the reports of self-injury and suicide attempt among the elderly population living in the city of São Paulo. Methods This is a descriptive, quantitative approach based on Violence and Accidents Surveillance Information System (SIVVA) of the city of São Paulo. In the selection of notifications, it was included the ones related to self-injury and attempted suicide against men and women, with age group between 60 and over, from January to December 2014 in the city of São Paulo, Southeastern Region of Brazil. Results During 2014, 93 cases of self-injury and attempted suicide were reported among elderly people living in the city of São Paulo. The main instruments used by the elderly population in the analyzed period were poisoning (41.9%), other means (34.4%), cold weapon (15.1%), high precipitation places (4.3%), hanging or suffocation (3.2%), and firearm (1.1%). Conclusion From the results of this study it was possible to characterize some specific aspects related to self-injury and suicide attempt among elderly in the evaluated population. Therefore, developing a strategy to promote effective prevention actions and offer specialized services to most risk groups (brown races, people with lower levels of education, and males).

Highlights

Several regions of the world have undergone a process of demographic transition in which populations, typically young and adults have gradually become older[1]
This is a descriptive, quantitative approach based on Violence and Accidents Surveillance Information System of the city of São Paulo (SIVVA), which is fed by reports and investigations of violence cases and Accidents that appear in the list of diseases, according to the Ordinance n° 1328/078 of the Municipal Health Department of the city of São Paulo[8]
Through SIVVA were collected information contained in self-injury and suicide attempt, and the elderly population was selected

Summary

Introduction

Several regions of the world have undergone a process of demographic transition in which populations, typically young and adults have gradually become older[1] This transition has consequences for the health systems and society, for one of the characteristics that makes the epidemiological profile of the elderly particular is the predominance of chronic diseases, of gradual progression and high capacity to affect and reduce the autonomy, and independence of the individual. According to Özer et al, in relation to violence the World Health Organization (WHO) provides a useful model for understanding the patterns of its occurrence in the world, in the daily lives of individuals, families and communities According to this model, violence is branched into three broad categories: self-directed violence or self-injury; interpersonal violence; collective violence[4]

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Discussion

Conclusion