A mortalidade de idosos no Brasil: a questão das causas mal definidas

Abstract

The study of mortality of elderly persons according to underlying causes permits the understanding of their epidemiological profile; but there is a large proportion of ill-defined causes. The objective of this work is to describe the Brazilian elderly mortality according to ill-defined underlying causes. Data source was the System of Information on Mortality of the Ministry of Health. Among variables, the ill-defined underlying cause of death was the main one [Chapter XVIII, International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems - 10th Revision (ICD-10)]. There was a 35% decrease in the occurrence of them observing the elderly deaths, from 1996 to 2005. An increase on the ratios (ill-defined/all deaths) was detected in 2005 from the deaths of 60 to 69 years to the deaths of 80 and more years: 9.9% and 14.8%, respectively. Methodologies to diminish these proportions are suggested; however, the most relevant factor is an adequate report by the physicians of the actual causes of death - underlying, associated and complications - in the death certificates.