Perfil do suicídio em área descentralizada de saúde, Ceará, 2013-2023
This study aimed to describe the epidemiological profile and geographical distribution of suicide mortality in the Decentralized Health Area (ADS) of Crateús, Ceará, Brazil, from 2013 to 2023. It is a descriptive, retrospective epidemiological study based on data from the Mortality Information System (SIM/DATASUS - Sistema de Informações sobre Mortalidade in Portuguese), including deaths due to suicide (ICD-10 X60–X84) in the 11 municipalities of the region. Analyses included sociodemographic characteristics, circumstances of death, municipality, year, and the calculation of average rates. Higher frequencies were observed among men, particularly adults aged 30–49 years and individuals with lower educational levels, with most deaths occurring at home, mainly by hanging. Poranga and Quiterianópolis presented the highest average rates, while the regional average rate was 10.7 per 100,000 inhabitants. Comparison between the pre-pandemic (2013–2019) and pandemic (2020–2022) periods showed increased suicide rates in 9 municipalities, notably Ipaporanga and Poranga, indicating relevant territorial inequalities.