Abstract

CORTES ALFARO, Alba. Suicidal behavior, adolescent, and risk. Rev Cubana Med Gen Integr [online]. 2014, vol.30, n.1, pp. 132-139. ISSN 0864-2125.

Introduction: nowadays suicide is the third leading cause of death worldwide among adolescents of 11 and 18 years of age. In Cuba, it occupies the third leading cause of death for ages 10 to 19. This event occurs most frequently in men, regardless of skin color or social class. When a teenager commits suicide or attempts suicide, everyone is affected, relatives, friends, colleagues, neighbors, and sometimes even people who met or have met him or her. The teenager who attempts suicide may experience feelings of grief, confusion, and guilt. Objective: to deepen the problem of suicidal behavior in adolescents since it is a stage of vulnerability and risk. Method: a literature review was conducted in databases as LILACS, HINARI and EBSCO. Very good coverage was achieved, in Cuba, Latin America, the Caribbean, as in the rest of the world. Development: general characteristics of healthy adolescents and risk factors making them vulnerable of having suicidal behavior are discussed. These features allow reflection on the subject to contribute to prevention, especially from primary health care. Conclusions: suicidal behavior in adolescents is a serious health problem that must be addressed by the various elements of society, individual factors, involved family, and community.

Keywords : Suicidal behavior; adolescence; risk factors.

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