Abstract

JORGE, Maria Helena Prado de Mello; CASCAO, Ângela Maria; REIS, Ana Cristina  and  LAURENTI, Ruy. Improving the information on the underlying cause of death based on record linkage: an analysis of external causes among the elderly - State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 2006. Epidemiol. Serv. Saúde [online]. 2012, vol.21, n.3, pp.407-418. ISSN 1679-4974.  http://dx.doi.org/10.5123/S1679-49742012000300006.

OBJECTIVE: to improve data regarding the underlying cause of deaths due to external causes, among the elderly (60 years and older) in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 2006. METHODS: exploratory study based on probabilistic record linkage between Mortality Information System and Hospital Information System/National Unified Health System, databases, using Reclink method. RESULTS: 15,804 pairs of records were identified as possible matches; concerning the distribution of specific categories of external causes, at first, events of undetermined intent were the main cause of deaths (55.9%); after record linkage, proportional mortalities due to transport accidents (21.5%; previously, 7.0%) and due to falls (27.4%; previously, 11.7%) represented un increase of almost three fold. CONCLUSION: the results indicate the possibility of improving information on mortality by means of a feasible methodology.

Keywords : Underlying Cause of Death; External Cause; Mortality; Hospitalization; Main Diagnosis; Secondary Diagnosis.

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