Prevalencia del suicidio en adultos jóvenes en el departamento del Quindío - Colombia, entre 1989 y 2008

Objective. To describe and estimate the prevalence of suicide among young adults in the Quindio department, Colombia during the period 1989–2008. Method. A quantitative-descriptive study was carried out based on data obtained from the Quindio Area Health Institute (Instituto Seccional de Salud del Quindio). Results. 683 suicides were detected, of which 321 were young adults; 262 (82%) male, and 59 (18%) female. With regard to the methods used, the men principally used a firearm and hanging (35% respectively) and the women poisoning (59%). The highest rates of suicide were found in the age range of 10-24.Conclusion. Due to the high rates of suicide found in the region, it is recommended that the corresponding authorities launch prevention campaigns.