Silent wounds: an epidemiological analysis of self-inflicted injuries among youths in Brazil (2013-2023)

This study aimed to describe the epidemiological profile of self-inflicted injuries among children and adolescents in Brazil over the past decade (2013-2023). This ecological study had a nationwide coverage and was based on data from the Brazilian Health Informatics Department (DATASUS). Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis were applied (t-test, ANOVA, Tukey, and Friedman), with normality assessment (Shapiro-Wilk), using Jamovi software. From 2013 to 2023, 18,382 hospitalizations and 261 deaths due to self-inflicted injuries were recorded among children and adolescents in Brazil, with a total hospital cost of approximately BRL 10 million. The Southeast accounted for the highest number of hospitalizations (55.45%) and deaths (60.1%), while the North reported the lowest figures. The most affected age group was 15-19 years. Hospitalizations were more frequent among females, whereas deaths predominated among males, with a significant impact on the Black population. During the study period, hospitalizations increased by 44.28% and deaths by 26.31%, with the highest hospital costs occurring in 2022 and 2023. These findings reveal significant regional and demographic disparities and underscore the need for targeted prevention strategies and specific public health policies.