Violation of the human rights of patients at risk of suicide attempt in Brazil

Abstract

Suicide is a serious public health problem worldwide. This study’s starting point is the theoretical-normative framework based on human rights standards applicable to the patients in the context of health care. The objective was to investigate the violation of the human rights of patients at risk of suicide. A total of 11 semi-structured interviews were conducted with health professionals, patients, and family members in four Brazilian state capitals. This study is a qualitative empirical research anchored by the hermeneutic-dialectic method. The professionals’ difficulty in dealing with the subject was identified, especially by the reproduction of stigmatizing, moral, religious, paternalistic, and/or hyper vigilant behaviours. The violation of the human rights of patients was observed, compromising the care offered, the continuity of treatment, the protagonism, privacy, and the decision-making capacity of the patient, in addition to increasing the vulnerability and the risk of new attempts. Among the interviewees, there was no consensus regarding the awareness of violations on the part of professionals. The protection of these patients depends on the adoption of training measures for health teams, awareness and information processes for the society, and the creation of specific policies and legislation to broaden the understanding of human rights and suicide prevention.