Introduction:

A literature review in databases was carried out on suicidal behavior in indigenous peoples to identify its characterization as a public health problem.

Objective:

To systematize the knowledge on suicide in indigenous peoples based on papers and research reports published until 2014.

Materials and Methods:

Literature review of 149 papers published regarding suicide in indigenous communities, which were analyzed according to topographic, chronological, approach and content aspects.

Results:

Scientific research on suicide in indigenous peoples is limited. However, the literature reviewed indicates that suicide rates are higher in indigenous peoples than in the general population, especially among young people, worldwide. Research on suicide in indigenous communities is predominantly based on risk factors, and should be understood more as a social rather than an individual event resulting from an imbalance between destructive processes and health and quality of life programs.

Conclusions:

Suicide in indigenous peoples is a public health problem whose comprehensive study should be encouraged from an intercultural approach, thus facilitating the implementation of culturally appropriate interventions.

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