Infant - Juvenile Suicide in the Department of Yavi (Jujuy Puna)

Abstract

In our country, there has been a significant increase in suicide rates within the age group ranging from 10 to 24 years of age (6.1 per each 100.000 h). One of the provinces most affected by this problem is Jujuy which between 2008-2010 reached a rate of 31.8 per each 100.000 h, the region of the puna and, within its territory, the department of Yavi, presenting the largest number of cases within this age group. The objective of this research work is to analyze, through a cross-section ethnographic study in communities in the region, the ethno-ethiological and scientific explanations that mental health agents, official and unofficial (psychologists, psychiatrists, healers, shamans, priests, pastors, etc.), parents and schooled adolescents elaborate on infant-juvenile suicide.