PANORAMA EPIDEMIOLÓGICO DE SUICÍDIO NO NORDESTE DO BRASIL: UM ESTUDO RETROSPECTIVO

Suicide is a major global public health problem characterized by its multifactorial nature and significant impact on population morbidity and mortality. The World Health Organization estimates that one suicide occurs every 40 seconds, highlighting the magnitude of this issue. In Brazil, suicide rates have increased, particularly among adolescents and young adults, while also affecting older populations. This study aimed to analyze the epidemiological profile of suicide in Northeastern Brazil between 2014 and 2024, identifying temporal trends, sociodemographic characteristics, and associated factors. This is a descriptive epidemiological study based on secondary official data. The findings revealed a progressive increase in suicide rates during the analyzed period, with a predominance among males and higher occurrence among young adults. Suicide was associated with social and economic determinants such as social inequality, unemployment, social vulnerability, and limited access to mental health services. Additionally, the recent pandemic context significantly impacted mental health indicators, increasing self-harm notifications and suicide rates. The epidemiological analysis demonstrated heterogeneous distribution across population groups with varying vulnerability levels, including young individuals, socially vulnerable populations, and individuals with mental disorders. Understanding the epidemiological profile of suicide is essential to support public policies and preventive strategies, contributing to suicide rate reduction and strengthening psychosocial care networks.