Suicidal behavior in the community: prevalence and factors associated with suicidal ideation.
OBJECTIVE
To estimate the life prevalence rates of suicidal ideation, suicidal plans and suicide attempts and verify factors associated to suicidal ideation.


METHODS
515 individuals > or = 14 years old were selected at random (cluster and stratified sample) and assessed by means of the WHO SUPRE-MISS interview, SRQ-20 and AUDIT. Life prevalence rates were estimated. Uni and multivariate analyses were performed. Odds ratios, together with confidence intervals, were adjusted by gender and age.


RESULTS
Life prevalence rates were 17.1% (95% CI: 12.9 - 21.2) for suicidal ideation, 4.8% (95% CI: 2.8 - 6.8) for plans and 2.8% (95% CI: 0.09 - 4.6) for suicide attempts. Only one-third of those who attempted suicide were later treated at a health facility. The 12-month prevalence rates were, respectively, 5.3% (95% CI: 3.5 - 7.2), 1.9% (95% CI: 1.0 - 2.8) and 0.4% (95% CI: -0.3 - 1.1). Suicidal ideation was more frequently reported by women (OR = 1.7), young adults (20-29 years old: OR = 2.9; 30-39 years old: OR = 3.6, compared to the 14-19 year old group), those living alone (OR = 4.2) and those presenting mental disorders (OR between 2.8 and 3.8).


CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of suicidal behavior was similar to that found in most studies carried out in other countries. Suicidal ideation was consistently associated with factors related to mental disorders or psychological distress. This should be taken into account when developing strategies to prevent suicidal behavior.
Botega
Neury José
NJ
Department of Medical Psychology and Psychiatry, School of Medical Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Campinas. botega@fcm.unicamp.br
Barros
Marilisa Berti de Azevedo
MB
Oliveira
Helenice Bosco de
HB
Dalgalarrondo
Paulo
P
Marín-León
Letícia
L
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D017678:Sex Distribution; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013405:Suicide / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013406:Suicide, Attempted / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data