Evaluation of data on deaths due to COVID-19 from the databases of the Civil Registry (RC-Arpen), SIVEP-Gripe, and SIM in Brazil in 2020

Abstract

This study compares the death records due to COVID-19 in 2020 for Brazilian territory. Three distinct databases were used: Civil Registry (RC-Arpen), Brazilian Mortality Information System (SIM), and Influenza Epidemiological Surveillance Information System (SIVEP-Gripe). We identified differences between the numbers of deaths due to COVID-19 in these databases, varying in each federative unit. The RC database is updated faster than the other two databases (SIM and SIVEP-Gripe) and it is most suited for monitoring and for studies covering recent periods. Despite the slower update, Brazilian Health Informatics Department (DATASUS) databases present geographically similar numbers and disclose more detailed data on deaths. This detailed information improves the DATASUS databases for studies that require more information about the patient and treatment.