A descriptive, retrospective study which aimed to characterize suicide in the municipality of Teresina, Piauí, the period of 2000-2005, in regards to the social demographic aspects, means of death and period (month) of the act. The results were obtained through the Institute of Legal Medicine, they show a greater rate of suicide among men (71.3%) with a greater frequency of the youth population, predominance among the single (54.9%). The occupational groups with the greatest percentage were students (23.8%). The most frequently used method was hanging (66%) followed by firearms (13.1%). The use of interventions in hopes of lowering the current rates is imperative, as suicide occupies fourth place in relation to all causes of violent deaths in the municipality.
Suicide; Statistic & numerical data; Nursing
