Introduction:

Epidemiological risk stratification is a process that categorizes geo-ecological areas and population groups according to risks factors in a particular health problem. Suicide in Cuba is the tenth cause of death and the third one in the age group of 10 - 19 years.

Objective:

To present the epidemiological stratification of mortality by suicide in Cuba during the period between 2011 and 2016.

Material and Methods:

A descriptive retrospective study was carried out. The universe consisted of the records of death by suicide from the Dirección de Registros Médicos y Estadísticas de Cuba from 2011 to 2016. The variables studied were: sex, age, place of death, skin color, and provinces of residence. Cumulative, gross, adjusted and specific rates per 100,000 inhabitants were calculated. The percentage was calculated according to variables and the relative change of the series. Mortality was stratified by provinces of residence, in adolescents and for all age groups, using percentiles as a cut-off point.

Results:

It was identified that 79.9 % of the deceased were men. The ( 60 year- old-group had the highest average rate (26.8 per 100,000 inhabitants). Regarding place of death, residence predominated (57.1%). Provincial stratification in adolescents showed Very High Risk in Mayabeque (rate: 4.9), Cienfuegos (4.0), Granma (3.8) and Las Tunas (3.0) per 100,000 inhabitants; whereas in all ages, Very High Risk was present in: Villa Clara (rate: 17.9), Las Tunas (17.6), Holguín (17.1) and Mayabeque (16.7) per 100,000 inhabitants.

Conclusions:

Suicide rates are lower among women. There are differences in the provincial risk stratification. The results contribute to the epidemiological update of suicide in Cuba.

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