Suicide trends in Brazil and the issue of adolescence: A scoping review

Abstract

This paper aims to describe the trend in suicide mortality among the general population and adolescents in Brazil over the past three decades. The article uses a scoping review methodology to consolidate evidence from multiple studies and inform public policy actions. A literature review finds an increase in suicide mortality over the past three decades in the country. Studies on suicide in the general population also indicate a growing public health problem, influenced by macroeconomic factors and behavioral changes, such as social media use and substance abuse. Risk factors such as access to firearms in the home, conflicting parent-child relationships, homelessness, social isolation, and exposure to stressful events significantly contribute to the increase in adolescent suicide deaths. The Brazilian context highlights the need to prioritize suicide prevention on the health policy agenda. According to the reviewed literature, government initiatives should include expanding social protection, providing therapeutic listening spaces, and cooperating with civil society. Suicide prevention strategies should also include public policies targeting high-risk groups.