Epidemiological analysis of deaths by suicide, Uruguay 2000

Abstract

In order to explore the main characteristics of suicide mortality in Uruguay, a descriptive study was performed. Uruguay was among the first third of the countries with the highest rates of suicide in the world, the third place among American countries and the first in South America. In 2000 the rate of suicides was 18.76 per hundred thousand, an average of 1.7 suicides per day, representing the ninth leading cause of death. The highest rates were in males, divorced or widower, citizens with a tertiary level of education, unemployed and pensioners and with medium to low socioeconomic levels. The most used method was shooting firearm with their own weapons. The average YPLL by suicide was 28 and 29 years for females and males respectively. Suicide is considered a public health problem.