Suicidality and Suicide Prevention in Brazil: A Systematic Review of Reviews

Luiza Wille Augustin, Pamela Rinozi Teixeira and Kairi Kolves ()
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Luiza Wille Augustin: Department of Distance Education, Catholic University Center of Santa Catarina, Jaraguá do Sul 89254-430, Brazil
Pamela Rinozi Teixeira: Independent Researcher, Florianópolis 88065-033, Brazil
Kairi Kolves: Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention, School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Brisbane 4122, Australia

IJERPH, 2025, vol. 22, issue 8, 1-14

Abstract: Suicide is a growing public health concern in Brazil, with significant increases in mortality rates over the last decade and disparities among vulnerable populations. This study aimed to systematically synthesize the recent literature reviews on suicidality and suicide prevention in Brazil, providing an overview of key findings, research gaps, and implications for future studies. This systematic review of reviews follows a pre-registered PROSPERO protocol (CRD42024561892). Searches across five databases (MEDLINE, Scopus, CINAHL, SciELO and LILACS) identified 10 eligible reviews, published between 2019 and 2024, including systematic, integrative, narrative reviews, and meta-analyses. The reviews examined populations such as Indigenous peoples, adolescents, university students, older adults, and healthcare professionals. Findings showed that the risk of suicidal behavior was associated with mental health conditions, social vulnerability, and limited access to mental health services. Particularly high suicide rates were observed among Indigenous populations and adolescents. Across reviews, a lack of interventional studies, limited geographical coverage, and the inadequate training of health professionals were recurrent themes. This review highlights the urgent need for culturally sensitive suicide prevention strategies, greater research investment in underserved populations, and improved healthcare training and coordination. These findings aim to support the development of more effective national suicide prevention policies.

Keywords: suicide prevention; suicidal behavior; systematic review of reviews; Brazil (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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