La mortalidad por suicidio en las poblaciones masculinas joven, adulta y adulta mayor en ocho países de Latinoamérica y el Caribe

Abstract

Suicide is the most extreme manifestation of mental health care needs and the importance of reducing its occurrence has been underscored by the Sustainable Development Goals. The COVID-19 pandemic could increase suicide mortality due to its negative effects on living conditions. This paper analyzes suicide mortality in young men, adults, and older adults in eight Latin American and Caribbean countries between 2005 and 2015. Annual mortality rates are estimated for five age groups distinguished by life stages. The results show differences by country between age patterns and the trajectory of this cause of mortality. Uruguay shows the highest levels of suicide for all age groups analyzed along with Cuba for the elderly. Findings such as the ones reported in this study and other similar regarding the suicide trend in the Latin American and Caribbean region or the countries that comprise it, could serve as a point of reference to assess the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic for this mental health problem.