# Suicidal behavior among farmers in the semiarid Northeast region: a case-control study

## TL;DR

This study explores factors linked to suicidal behavior among farmers in Brazil's semiarid region, highlighting mental health and work conditions as key contributors.

## Contribution

The study identifies specific risk factors for suicidal behavior among farmers in a semiarid region, including mental health and pesticide exposure.

## Key findings

- Farmers with a family history of mental disorders had a 2.76 times higher odds of suicidal behavior.
- Pesticide poisoning was strongly associated with suicidal behavior (odds ratio = 4.94).
- Mental health treatment history increased the odds of suicidal behavior by 2.36 times.

## Abstract

Suicidal behavior is a complex, multifactorial phenomenon resulting from the
interaction of philosophical, psychological, biological, and social factors.
Agriculture is an occupation in which individuals are particularly
vulnerable to mental distress and suicidal behavior.

To analyze factors associated with suicidal behavior among farmers living in
the semiarid region of northeastern Brazil.

This case-control study was conducted between 2019 and 2020 with 450 farmers
from the city of Caicó, Rio Grande do Norte. The final sample
included 62 cases and 288 controls. Suicidal behavior was assessed using the
Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation. Associations were analyzed with
sociodemographic, health, income, work, and alcohol abuse variables.

A significant positive association was observed between suicidal behavior and
having a family history of mental disorder (odds ratio = 2.76), having a
common mental disorder (odds ratio = 4.25), having previously received
mental health treatment (odds ratio = 2.36), performing wage or temporary
work (odds ratio = 3.49), and having experienced pesticide poisoning (odds
ratio = 4.94).

Work conditions, mental health factors, and pesticide poisoning are
associated with suicidal behavior among farmers in the semiarid region.