The situation of suicide in Antioquia during 2016 and 2017: Results of epidemiological surveillance data

Background: Identifying the patterns, distribution, and characteristics of suicide in a region is possible with epidemiological surveillance which may lay the foundations for suicide prevention. Objective: To describe the situation of suicide in Antioquia during the period 2016-2017. Methods: Descriptive study based on data from the Epidemiological Surveillance System for External Cause Injuries of the National Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences. Suicides rates and Years of Life Lost (YLL) were calculated and the circumstances of the event were described. Results: There were 425 suicides in 2016 and 419 in 2017, with a suicides rate of 6.50 and 6.34 per 100,000 inhabitants/year respectively, and 16,446.8 YLL for 2016 and 16,019.94 YLL for 2017. Most of the suicides occurred in males, in young age groups, urban residents and single marital status. Regarding the characteristics of suicide, the most frequently used mechanism was mechanical asphyxia followed by poisoning, in about 40% of cases a triggering life event was established, such as partner conflicts, and were more frequent on Sunday and Monday and at night and early morning. Conclusion: The incidence of suicide in Antioquia increased in 2016 and 2017 compared to previous years. It was more frequent in economically productive ages, which explains the high YLL. The description of the characteristics of suicide may facilitate the discussion of preventive interventions.