Data on mortality from external causes and events of undetermined intent, Parana State, Brazil, 1979 to 2005

This study analyzed the quality of data from the Mortality Information System (SIM) for deaths due to external causes in the State of Parana, Brazil, 1979 to 2005, focusing on events of undetermined intent. Deaths were grouped in motor vehicle accidents, homicides, suicides, and events of undetermined intent, and proportional mortality and relative annual variation of rates over the three-year period were analyzed. Motor vehicle accidents (more than 30% of the total) were the most frequent causes of death throughout the period, and since 1997 homicides have become the second most frequent cause. Deaths due to events of undetermined intent caused by weapons (firearms or knives) decreased from 4.8% in 1981 to 0.3% in 2005. Mortality rates for events of undetermined intent (overall) decreased from 14.9 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants in 1979-81 to 2.0 in 2003-05. Annual percentage variation was 13.1% from 1980 to 1985, -6% from 1996 to 2000, and -11% from 2000 to 2004. The findings show the good quality of SIM data on external causes in the State of Parana, allowing analyses with the potential to support programs to prevent injuries as well as health promotion measures.25122322

Quality of the Live Birth Information System in the State of Parana, from 2000 to 2005

This study analyzed the quality of the Live Birth Information System in the State of (SINAC) Parana, Brazil, from 2000 to 2005, through the percentage of undeclared variables, using a database provided by the State Health Department. Quality was analyzed using the following scale: excellent, undeclared percentage = 7%. The quality in completing the SINAC in Parana was excellent, especially as of year 2003. The mothers' occupation, classified as regular and poor, was the variable with the lowest quality in all Regional Health Departments. Live births, stillbirths, and race/color varied between poor and excellent quality. There is a need to improve the quality of the variables marital status and stillbirths in all Regional Health Departments. The excellence of the SINAC demonstrated its potential as a source of health information in Parana.451778