Alcohol and other drugs at the suicide trial in users carried out by an urgent mobile service

Abstract

Introduction: The suicide attempt is considered a non-fatal suicidal conduct, representing the moment when a person performs an action that can threaten his life, and can evolve to suicide, both situations representing an important public health problem. Objective: To characterize the use of alcohol and other drugs in suicide attempts assisted by a mobile emergency service. Methodology: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study, carried out at the headquarters of the Mobile Emergency Service (SAMU), in Teresina-Piauí. The study population consisted of 253 records of visits by users who attempted suicide and who were attended by SAMU 192 in 2018. The data were obtained from the Service and Occurrence Management System, which records all the visits performed by SAMU. The data were organized in graphs and tables and interpreted according to absolute and percentage frequencies. Results: The majority of consultations occurred with women (65.6%) and people aged 20 to 39 years old (49.9%). Regarding the self-injury mechanism, similar results were found between men and women. Of the 166 women who attempted suicide, 99 cases (59.7%) used self-medication, followed by hanging and a sharp object with equal value 14 (8.4%), and more than one self-harm mechanism with 12 (7.2%). The use of alcohol and other drugs was verified in 12.6% of women and 9.9% of men treated. Conclusions: The attempted suicide in users residing in Teresina is a relevant occurrence. It is suggested to focus attention on these cases, with actions to prevent this problem and the training of health professionals.
Keywords: Suicide Attempt, Alcoholism, Drug Users, Emergency Medical Services.