Aspects of the situation regarding official mortality statistics from external causes in the municipality of Londrina, Paraná State, Brazil

Abstract

Mortality from external causes has been analyzed in Londrina, Parana State, Brazil, according to its different types: traffic accidents, other accidents, suicides, homicides and deaths from undetermined intentionally (unknown causes), from 1979 to 1992. A statistically significant increase has been demonstrated for mortality from traffic accidents and from undetermined intentionality On the other hand, homicide rates have shown a statistically significant reduction. Comparison between rates of two periods, one of them based on official data (1992) and the other based on data whose death certificates had been subjected to deeper investigation (August 10, 1993 to August 09, 1994) to better identify the circumstances of the event which has led to death, has shown an expressive reduction in the mortality rate from external cause of undetermined intentionality (unknown cause) and increment of mortality rate from suicide (81.8%) and homicide (38.7%). Results suggest that official mortality data (from 1979 to 1992) may be underestimating specific causes of non-natural death such as suicide and homicide, mainly. Notwithstanding these official data deficiencies, it has been possible to detect that traffic accidents are a major health problem in Londrina, prevailing during the entire period as specific type of death from external cause and presenting increasing rates.