What do we know about the suicide of adults in Costa Rica? Socio-demographic characteristics and risk factors

Abstract

A literature review on scientific papers and final graduation dissertations and   databases as: University of Costa Rica, Redalyc, Scielo, Google Scholar, Kimuk, OPAC, and Kérwá. National University (UNA), National Distance Learning University (UNED), and the Costa Rican Technological University (ITEC), have been analyzed about adults committing suicide in Costa Rica. Eleven scientific articles and five final graduation dissertations were selected to be divided in the following categories: socio-demographic characteristics and risk factors. Data indicates that adult committing suicide is a phenomenon that has been increasing lately. There is a tendency of young men committing suicide: hanging, poisoning, and using guns. Facts point out socio-demographic aspects and relevant risk factors are mental and physical illnesses, family problems, drug abuse, social pressure, sexual abuse, wrong perception and lack of support. Some reasons of why people commit suicide are discussed and contrasted with results from studies done in Latin America. The consciousness of a need of more research will open ways to reduce this fact.

Key words: committing suicide, adulthood, literature review, socio-demographic characteristics and risk factors.