RESUMO
Suicide is a significant public health challenge worldwide, with inconsistent behavioral patterns. This study examined the psychological processes underlying 191 suicide notes left by older adults in Uruguay, a country doubling global and regional suicide rates, with the highest prevalence among those aged 60+. Uruguay highlights in the region as a high-income country. Through content analysis with an inter-judge strategy, the notes revealed that loneliness, loss of interest, and loss of meaning for life, were prevalent. Financial hardship was not a primary reason for suicide. Social connectedness was highlighted as a factor for reducing suicide risk in older adults, particularly those with ill health and physical impairment. The study sheds light on the need to expand social services aimed at reducing loneliness and the need to combat ageism and social prejudice towards suicide in Uruguay, providing valuable insights into suicide prevention strategies for older adults in diverse social settings.
RESUMO
La conducta suicida en adolescentes constituyeun problema de salud pública, siendo relevanteel papel del sistema de salud y sus recursos humanos en su prevención. El artículo presenta resultados parciales de una investigación más amplia (2013-2015/anii). Los objetivos son caracterizar la forma de registro de intento de autoeliminación en población de 14-24 años atendida en emergencias públicas; identificar barreras socioculturales del personal que interfieren en abordaje y registro de la conducta suicida. Es un estudio poblacional descriptivo transversal. Se completaron 73 formularios y se relevaron 211.389 fichas de Emergencia. En los resultados se describe el perfil del personal, consulta y registro de intentos de autoeliminación. Se constata alta frecuencia de consultas en adolescentes. De estos, 1 de cada 100 presenta una conducta suicida. La escasa capacitación en la temática y las creencias del personal obstaculizan la gestión y registro, y conducen a subestimar posibles casos deconducta suicida. Los hallazgos confirman la importancia de la capacitación.
Suicidal behavior in adolescents is a public health problem, and the role of the health system and its human resources in its prevention is relevant. The article presents partial results of a wider investigation (2013-2015 / anii). The objectives are to characterize the form of self-elimination attempt registration in a population of 14-24 years attended in public emergencies; identify sociocultural barriers of personnel that interfere in approach and record of suicidal behavior. It is a cross-sectional descriptive population study. 73 forms were completed and 211,389 Emergency records were released. The results describe the staff profile, consultation and registration of self-elimination attempts. There is a high frequency of consultations in adolescents. Of these, 1 in 100 have a suicidal behavior. The lack of training in the subject and the beliefs of the staff hinder the management and registration, and lead to underestimate possible cases of suicidal behavior. The findings confirm the importance of training.