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Characterization of Elderly Suicide Risaralda Metropolitan Area, Year 2005-2011
The aim of the present investigation was to characterize suicidal behavior in older adults Risaralda metropolitan area between 2005-2011. To do this, we conducted a quantitative study - descriptive cross-sectional, using the databases of the National Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences, Risaralda branch. In the study period there were 41 cases (95% males and 5% females), of which Pereira contributed 73.1% of cases. The resorted to hanging 46.4% and 26.9% to the firearm. The 78.1% of the deaths occurred in the home. Concerning education, 43.8% had a primary and 7.3% secondary studies. March was the month predominant with 19.5%, followed by 17.1% in September. Married prevailed contributing 36.6% of cases. The rate for six years stood at 7.99 per 100,000; 17.47 in men and 0.7 in women. The male rate was directly proportional to age group: 20.27 for the 60-69 range, 21.21 to 70-79, and 26.06 in the group of 80-89 years. This suggests the risk, it follows that the older more likely to suicide. These figures deserve urgent conducting prevention programs to mitigate risk factors.
