Hope amidst crisis: A path to suicide prevention in Rio de Janeiro

Unmasking Suicide Attempts in Rio: What the Data Reveals

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Rhea Morgan in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"A deep dive into official health data uncovers critical insights into suicide attempts and suicides by exogenous intoxication in Rio de Janeiro, highlighting urgent needs for improved prevention strategies."


Suicide is a global public health issue, and while Brazil's overall rate is lower than the worldwide average, a closer look reveals troubling trends. Exogenous intoxication—suicide attempts or suicides by poisoning—is a significant method used in these cases. Understanding the patterns and factors involved is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies.

A recent study focused on suicide attempts and suicides by exogenous intoxication in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, analyzing data from 2006 to 2008. This research delved into information from the Center for Poisoning Control in Niterói City (CCIn), the Information System for Notifiable Diseases (Sinan), and the Mortality Information System (SIM) to paint a clearer picture of this complex issue.

This article breaks down the study's key findings, exploring the demographics, substances used, and challenges in data collection that impact our ability to address this critical public health concern. By understanding these insights, we can advocate for improved systems and targeted interventions to help save lives.

Who is Most at Risk? Key Demographic Insights

Hope amidst crisis: A path to suicide prevention in Rio de Janeiro

The study revealed that women are disproportionately affected by suicide attempts. Data from both the CCIn and Sinan systems showed that females accounted for a significant majority of cases. This aligns with global trends indicating that while men are more likely to die by suicide, women attempt suicide more often.

Age also plays a crucial role. The 20-39 age group was most prevalent in suicide attempts, highlighting the immense pressure and stress faced by young adults. However, the study also found a significant number of cases among those aged 15-29, underscoring the need for early intervention and mental health support for adolescents and young adults.

  • Women: Predominantly affected by suicide attempts.
  • Young Adults (20-39): Face immense pressure and stress.
  • Adolescents and Young Adults (15-29): Highlight the need for early intervention and support.
These demographic insights are essential for tailoring prevention efforts. Understanding who is most at risk allows for targeted resource allocation and the development of programs that address the specific needs of these vulnerable populations.

The Path Forward: Improving Systems and Saving Lives

This research underscores the urgent need for improvements in data collection and system integration. The significant amount of missing data, particularly in the Sinan system, hinders accurate analysis and effective intervention. Standardizing data collection across different systems is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of the problem.

Furthermore, the study highlights the importance of addressing access to means of suicide, particularly medications and pesticides. Implementing stricter regulations on the sale and distribution of these substances can significantly reduce the risk of impulsive suicide attempts.

Ultimately, preventing suicide requires a multi-faceted approach that includes improved data systems, targeted interventions, and increased awareness. By working together, we can create a safer and more supportive environment for those struggling with suicidal thoughts and behaviors, empowering them to seek help and find hope for the future.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

Everything You Need To Know

1

Who is most at risk of suicide attempts?

The study highlights that females are disproportionately affected by suicide attempts, with data from the CCIn and Sinan systems showing a majority of cases involving women. This trend aligns with global patterns where women attempt suicide more frequently than men. Recognizing this vulnerability is crucial for designing targeted prevention efforts that address the specific challenges faced by women.

2

What age groups are particularly vulnerable?

The 20-39 age group was most prevalent in suicide attempts, indicating significant pressures and stress faced by young adults. Additionally, a notable number of cases occurred within the 15-29 age range. These findings underscore the need for early intervention and comprehensive mental health support for both adolescents and young adults. Addressing these age-related vulnerabilities is vital for effective prevention strategies.

3

What is exogenous intoxication and why is it relevant?

Exogenous intoxication, which refers to suicide attempts or suicides by poisoning, is a significant method observed in this context. Understanding this method is crucial because it provides insight into how individuals are attempting suicide, which helps in developing targeted interventions. By analyzing the substances involved and the circumstances surrounding these attempts, prevention strategies can be tailored to address specific risks and reduce fatalities.

4

What are the key recommendations for improving the situation?

The research emphasizes that improvements in data collection and system integration are urgently needed. The significant amount of missing data, especially in the Sinan system, complicates accurate analysis and effective intervention strategies. Standardizing data collection across various systems, such as the CCIn, Sinan, and SIM, would create a more comprehensive understanding of the problem, allowing for more informed decision-making and resource allocation.

5

What data sources were used in the study?

This study focused on suicide attempts and suicides by exogenous intoxication in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, analyzing data from 2006 to 2008. The research utilized information from the Center for Poisoning Control in Niterói City (CCIn), the Information System for Notifiable Diseases (Sinan), and the Mortality Information System (SIM). These systems were used to gain insights into demographics, substances used, and the challenges in data collection. The aim was to provide a clearer picture of the complex issue of suicide and inform the development of effective prevention strategies.

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