Abstract

SOUZA, Eliane Helena Alvim de et al. Death from external causes in the elderly in pernambuco, brazil, 2002 to 2007. Rev. cir. traumatol. buco-maxilo-fac. [online]. 2012, vol.12, n.4, pp. 73-80. ISSN 1808-5210.

Objective: To describe the profile of deaths in the elderly from external causes in Recife, Pernambuco, in the period 2002 to 2007. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study with data gathered from the archives of the Institute of Forensic Medicine - Recife. An instrument was constructed for the compilation of information from the elements highlighted in the archive reports and literature. Results: Death from external causes predominated in males with brown skin, aged 75 years or over. Accidents were responsible for most deaths. Murders were most commonly found in the Metropolitan Region of Recife. The number of homicides and accidents was stable throughout the period 2002 to 2006, declining in 2007. Conclusion: Although the number of deaths from external causes among the elderly continued to rise throughout the period studied, there was a substantial decline in 2007 that requires further investigation to confirm the falling trend observed.

Keywords : Mortality; External Causes; Aged.