Submission ID 130770
| Issue/Objective | Suicide during pregnancy and the perinatal period, including pregnancy loss and up to one year postpartum, is a critical but under-recognized public health issue. It reflects persistent structural inequities in maternal health and gaps in mental health care. Women in these stages may experience multiple vulnerabilities, including psychological distress, social isolation, economic instability, and limited access to healthcare services. This study aims to identify and analyze risk factors associated with suicide during pregnancy, pregnancy loss, and the perinatal period in Brazil, focusing on upstream social and structural determinants. |
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| Methodology/Approach | This study adopts a mixed methodological approach combining an integrative literature review and an ecological analysis of aggregated secondary data. Scientific literature is reviewed to synthesize evidence on risk factors associated with perinatal suicide. In parallel, an ecological analysis is conducted using data from Brazilian national health databases, particularly DATASUS, covering the Mortality Information System (SIM) and the Live Birth Information System (SINASC), complemented by sociodemographic indicators. The study period spans from 2010 to 2025. Data are analyzed descriptively to identify temporal trends and associations between suicide and contextual determinants. |
| Results | Findings indicate that suicide risk during the perinatal period is associated with a combination of psychological, social, and structural factors. Key determinants include mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety, social isolation, economic vulnerability, and limited access to healthcare services. Ecological patterns suggest disparities across regions and sociodemographic groups, with heightened vulnerability during pregnancy loss and the postpartum period. |
| Discussion/Conclusion | The study highlights the need to strengthen maternal mental health services and integrate psychosocial support into reproductive care. Addressing upstream determinants and reducing structural inequities are essential to prevent avoidable maternal deaths. These findings contribute to global health equity by informing policies aimed at improving care for women during the perinatal period. |
| Presenters and Affiliations | KENDARLINE DORELUS State University of Feira de Santana (UEFS), Bahia, Brazil KENDARLINE DORELUS State University of Feira de Santana (UEFS), Bahia, Brazil |
