This study aimed to estimate the lifetime prevalence rates for suicidal ideation, suicide plans, and attempted suicide, based on a cluster sample of 515 residents of Campinas, Sao Paulo State, Brazil. The Multisite Intervention Study on Suicidal Behavior interview was performed, and lifetime prevalence rates and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were calculated. Lifetime prevalence rates were 17.1% (95%CI: 12.9-21.2) for suicidal ideation, 4.8% (95%CI: 2.8-6.8) for suicide plans, and 2.8% (95%CI: 0.09-4.6) for attempted suicide. Suicidal behavior was more frequent among women and young adults. The suicide plan/attempt ratio was approximately 5:3. Only one-third of those who attempted suicide contacted a health service following the attempt. Prevalence rates for suicidal behavior were similar to most studies from other countries. Suicide prevention strategies should take data from community-based studies into account.251226322638