Epidemiological profile of notifications of self-harm in the state of Maranhão

Abstract

The aim of this study is to describe the epidemiological profile of notifications of self-harm in the state of Maranhão between 2016 and 2021, in order to provide valuable information for drawing up effective prevention strategies. This is a cross-sectional, descriptive and retrospective epidemiological study, with a mixed approach, carried out between 2016 and 2021. The study area is the state of Maranhão. The variables used in the research were: self-harm, gender, age group, level of education and race. The results showed that there was a gradual increase in self-harm. With regard to age group, individuals aged 10 to 19 and 20 to 29 were the most prevalent groups. With regard to sociodemographic characteristics, brown women with incomplete primary education were the majority. Further studies on the subject are recommended in order to describe the reality of self-harm. As well as representing an important public health problem, this is a sensitive issue for the community.