Suicide trends and characteristics among persons in the Guaraní Kaiowá and Nandeva communities--Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, 2000-2005

Abstract

Suicide rates among indigenous communities around the world vary substantially; in many nations these groups have the highest suicide risk of any identifiable cultural or ethnic group. Mato Grosso do Sul is a state in the southwest corner of Brazil that borders Bolivia and Paraguay. In 2004, the Guaraní, an indigenous ethnic group in the region, accounted for 2.6% of Mato Grosso do Sul's population (approximately 2,230,702). During 1975-2000, the infant mortality rate decreased, and overall life expectancy increased in Mato Grosso do Sul; however, suicide increased as a proportion of overall mortality among the Kaiowá and Nandeva communities of the Guaraní population. In 2000, the National Health Foundation (FUNASA) of the Brazilian Ministry of Health (BMH) initiated a study of suicide trends and characteristics in these two Guaraní communities; data were collected during 2000-2005, and epidemiologic assistance was provided by CDC. This report summarizes the results of that study, which suggested that the suicide rate among Guaraní was 19 times higher than the national rate in Brazil and 10 times higher than the rate in Mato Grosso do Sul and that suicides disproportionately affected Guaraní adolescents and young adults. To decrease suicide rates, BMH initiated research and prevention programs among the Guaraní, and the Guaraní initiated measures to increase their economic self-sufficiency.