Mortalidade por causas externas em idosos no Distrito Federal: 1996-2003

Abstract

OBJECTIVE. To analyze the magnitude and risk of mortality due to external causes in the population from 60 years or more living in the Federal District, Brazil, from 1996 to 2003. METHOD. Data from the Mortality Data System of the Ministry of Health was used. Mortality rates were calculated by sex, age and group of external causes from 1996 to 2003. RESULTS. Males showed excess mortality in all of the years and there was an increasing rate and sex ratio with growing age. In the end of the study period, there was a lower rate of death due to external causes in all elderly groups. Traffic accidents were the first external cause of death, followed by accidental falls, with higher rates for males. In the age group 60-69 years, the most important specific causes of death were traffic accidents and homicides. From 70 years and more, accidental falls are the most important cause, with rates 40% superior of traffic accidents. CONCLUSIONS. Results reinforce the importance of external causes in the mortality of elderly and suggest that interventions should be made against risk factors for each type of injury and violence in this age group.