Reportes de suicidios en prensa de Barranquilla: un enfoque desde salud pública

Aim: To describe the characteristics of suicide reports in press from the city of Barranquilla, during 2008-2011. Materials and methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study, with universal sample, where there were described frequency distributions of the characteristics of reported suicides in news stories published in press. Results: It was observed that the highest rate of suicide is given in males; more people within the range of 20 to 29 years (young population) commit suicide, the most widely used means of suicide was hanging. The schedule was predominant in the morning. A high percentage did not indicate a history of previous attempts, the bodies were found by relatives. A high percentage published photos of the deceased. The news was published on the front page. Lines and paragraphs were extensive; and possible causes were attributed to depressive disorders. The media are not governed under the recommendations established by the WHO. Conclusion: The frequency distributions of the characteristics of reported suicides studied yielded high percentages of public health importance.