Assaults, accidents, and self-inflicted deaths as causes of mortality in women: an epidemiological analysis in Goiás, 2019–2022.

Abstract

Introduction: External causes represent a major public health problem, with differential impacts on men and women. Among women, accidents, homicides, and suicides stand out, reflecting social, demographic, and regional vulnerabilities. Objective: To describe the epidemiological profile of female mortality due to assaults, accidents, and self-inflicted injuries in Goiás State, Brazil, from 2019 to 2022. Methods: Descriptive study based on secondary data from the Mortality Information System (SIM). Analyses considered the distribution of causes, sociodemographic characteristics, and regional inequalities. Results: Accidents accounted for 71.6% of external cause deaths, mainly falls and traffic accidents. Homicides represented 14.8% and suicides 13.6%. Motorcyclists and pedestrians accounted for 37.8% of traffic accident victims. Among homicides, sharp or blunt objects predominated (44.8%). In suicides, 63.6% occurred at home. Brown-skinned women were the most affected, especially in homicides and suicides. Regional disparities were observed, with higher mortality rates in São Patrício I, Sudoeste I, North, and Northeast I. Conclusion: Findings highlight the need for intersectoral public policies aimed at reducing traffic accidents, preventing falls among the elderly, combating violence against women, and expanding access to mental health services.