Mortality due external injuries in ABCD region of Sao Paulo from 1996 to 2008: the problem of undetermined origen events and the responsability of the coroner

Abstract

Introduction

: The region of ABCD has high rates of morbidity and mortality due to external causes. The study of these variables is critical to the implementation of public policies for prevention and care. Fail in filling death certificate entails inadequate reporting of deaths due to these causes, which are now referred to as "undetermined". The medical examiner plays a key role in this process. Objectives: To examine mortality due to external causes in the ABCD region of Sao Paulo, from 1996 to 2008, and the incidence of injuries to "undetermined" cause. Methodology: A descriptive study based on databases provided by the Ministry of Health of Brazil between 1996 and 2008. Results: There were 26,966 deaths due to external causes in the ABCD region in the period studied. The victims included mostly young males. The events of "undetermined origin" had increased in Sao Bernardo do Campo (8.7% to 19%) and Santo Andre (from 7.4% to 21.6%) between 1996 and 2008. Discussion: The data on mortality due to external causes in the ABCD region are similar to those of the rest of the country. The elevation of the events of "undetermined cause" occurred in the municipalities of Santo Andre and Sao Bernardo do Campo. Unfortunately, the excessive number of deaths of undetermined cause may compromise the real identification of the cause of death and, consequently, interferes with the design of the epidemiological profile of the region. Conclusions: Identifying the cause of death can help in a determinant way the development and implementation of appropriate public policies, aimed at reducing deaths classified as external causes