Lives Versus Livelihoods: The Epidemiological, Social, And Economic Impact Of COVID-19 In Latin America And The Caribbean.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Latin American and Caribbean countries implemented stringent public health and social measures that disrupted economic and social activities. This study used an integrated model to evaluate the epidemiological, economic, and social trade-offs in Argentina, Brazil, Jamaica, and Mexico throughout 2021. Argentina and Mexico displayed a higher gross domestic product (GDP) loss and lower deaths per million compared with Brazil. The magnitude of the trade-offs differed across countries. Reducing GDP loss at the margin by 1 percent would have increased daily deaths by 0.5 per million in Argentina but only 0.3 per million in Brazil. We observed an increase in poverty rates related to the stringency of public health and social measures but no significant income-loss differences by sex. Our results indicate that the economic impact of COVID-19 was uneven across countries as a result of different pandemic trajectories, public health and social measures, and vaccination uptake, as well as socioeconomic differences and fiscal responses. Policy makers need to be informed about the trade-offs to make strategic decisions to save lives and livelihoods.

Cost-effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination in Latin America and the Caribbean: an analysis in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico, and Peru.

OBJECTIVE: Our study analyzes the cost-effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccination campaigns in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico, and Peru. METHODS: Using a previously published SVEIR model, we analyzed the impact of a vaccination campaign (2021) from a national healthcare perspective. The primary outcomes were quality adjusted life years (QALYs) lost and total costs. Other outcomes included COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, deaths, and life years. We applied a discount rate of 3% for health outcomes. We modeled a realistic vaccination campaign in each country (the realistic country-specific campaign). Additionally, we assessed a standard campaign (similar, "typical" for all countries), and an optimized campaign (similar in all countries with higher but plausible population coverage). One-way deterministic sensitivity analyses were performed. FINDINGS: Vaccination was health improving as well as cost-saving in almost all countries and scenarios. Our analysis shows that vaccination in this group of countries prevented 573,141 deaths (508,826 standard; 685,442 optimized) and gained 5.07 million QALYs (4.53 standard; 6.03 optimized). Despite the incremental costs of vaccination campaigns, they had a total net cost saving to the health system of US$16.29 billion (US$16.47 standard; US$18.58 optimized). The realistic (base case) vaccination campaign in Chile was the only scenario, which was not cost saving, but it was still highly cost-effective with an ICER of US$22 per QALY gained. Main findings were robust in the sensitivity analyses. INTERPRETATION: The COVID-19 vaccination campaign in seven Latin American and Caribbean countries -that comprise nearly 80% of the region- was beneficial for population health and was also cost-saving or highly cost-effective.

Effectiveness of rAd26-rAd5, ChAdOx1 nCoV-19, and BBIBP-CorV vaccines for risk of infection with SARS-CoV-2 and death due to COVID-19 in people older than 60 years in Argentina: a test-negative, case-control, and retrospective longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND: In January, 2021, a vaccination campaign against COVID-19 was initiated with the rAd26-rAd5, ChAdOx1 nCoV-19, and BBIBP-CorV vaccines in Argentina. The objective of this study was to estimate vaccine effectiveness at reducing risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 deaths in people older than 60 years. METHODS: In this test-negative, case-control, and retrospective longitudinal study done in Argentina, we evaluated the effectiveness of three vaccines (rAd26-rAd5, ChAdOx1 nCoV-19, and BBIBP-CorV) on SARS-CoV-2 infection and risk of death in people with RT-PCR confirmed COVID-19, using data from the National Surveillance System (SNVS 2.0). All individuals aged 60 years or older reported to SNVS 2.0 as being suspected to have COVID-19 who had disease status confirmed with RT-PCR were included in the study. Unvaccinated individuals could participate in any of the analyses. People with suspected COVID-19 who developed symptoms before the start of the implementation of the vaccination programme for their age group or district were excluded from the study. The odds ratio of SARS-CoV-2 infection was evaluated by logistic regression and the risk of death in individuals with RT-PCR confirmed COVID-19 was evaluated by proportional hazard regression models, adjusted for possible confounders: age at the time of the symptom onset date, sex, district of residence, epidemiological week corresponding to the symptom onset date, and history of COVID-19. The estimation of vaccine effectiveness to prevent death due to COVID-19 was done indirectly by combining infection and death estimates. In addition, we evaluated the effect of the first dose of viral vector vaccines across time. FINDINGS: From Jan 31, to Sept 14, 2021, 1 282 928 individuals were included, of whom 687 167 (53·6%) were in the rAd26-rAd5 analysis, 358 431 (27·6%) in the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 analysis, and 237 330 (18·5%) in the BBIBP-CorV analysis. Vaccine effectiveness after two doses was high for all three vaccines, adjusted odds ratio 0·36 (95% CI 0·35-0·37) for rAd26-rAd5, 0·32 (0·31-0·33) for ChAdOx1 nCoV-19, and 0·56 (0·55-0·58) for BBIBP-CorV. After two doses, the effect on deaths was higher than that on risk of infection: adjusted hazard ratio 0·19 (95% CI 0·18-0·21) for rAd26-rAd5, 0·20 (0·18-0·22) for ChAdOx1 nCoV-19, and 0·27 (0·25-0·29) for BBIBP-CorV. The indirectly estimated effectiveness on deaths was 93·1% (95% CI 92·6-93·5) for rAd26-rAd5, 93·7% (93·2-94·3) for ChAdOx1 nCoV-19, and 85·0% (84·0-86·0) for BBIBP-CorV following two doses. First dose effect of viral vector vaccines remained stable over time. INTERPRETATION: The vaccines used in Argentina showed effectiveness in reducing infection and death by SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19. FUNDING: None.

Development and application of a dynamic transmission model of health systems' preparedness and response to COVID-19 in twenty-six Latin American and Caribbean countries.

The global impact of COVID-19 has challenged health systems across the world. This situation highlighted the need to develop policies based on scientific evidence to prepare the health systems and mitigate the pandemic. In this scenario, governments were urged to predict the impact of the measures they were implementing, how they related to the population's behavior, and the capacity of health systems to respond to the pandemic. The overarching aim of this research was to develop a customizable and open-source tool to predict the impact of the expansion of COVID-19 on the level of preparedness of the health systems of different Latin American and the Caribbean countries, with two main objectives. Firstly, to estimate the transmission dynamics of COVID-19 and the preparedness and response capacity of health systems in those countries, based on different scenarios and public policies implemented to control, mitigate, or suppress the spread of the epidemic. Secondly, to facilitate policy makers' decisions by allowing the model to adjust its parameters according to the specific pandemic trajectory and policy context. How many infections and deaths are estimated per day?; When are the peaks of cases and deaths expected, according to the different scenarios?; Which occupancy rate will ICU services have along the epidemiological curve?; When is the optimal time increase restrictions in order to prevent saturation of ICU beds?, are some of the key questions that the model can respond, and is publicly accessible through the following link: http://shinyapps.iecs.org.ar/modelo-covid19/. This open-access and open code tool is based on a SEIR model (Susceptible, Exposed, Infected and Recovered). Using a deterministic epidemiological model, it allows to frame potential scenarios for long periods, providing valuable information on the dynamics of transmission and how it could impact on health systems through multiple customized configurations adapted to specific characteristics of each country.

[Recalculation of trends in mortality from accidents, suicides, and homicides in Argentina, 1997-2018Recálculo das tendências de mortalidade por acidentes, suicídios e homicídios na Argentina, 1997-2018]. / Recálculo de las tendencias de mortalidad por accidentes, suicidios y homicidios en Argentina, 1997-2018.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the impact of deficient cause-of-death records on trends in death by suicide and homicide, through imputation of missing information. METHODS: Observational and descriptive study of temporal trends in recorded deaths from external causes in Argentina in the period 1997-2018. For imputation of intent, logistic models were adjusted on the basis of predictive variables from the Statistical Report on Deaths. Vital statistics and population projections were used as secondary sources. RESULTS: As measured by the original data, mortality from external causes declined, specifically for homicides and accidents. These declines were more pronounced with the corrected data, since imputation of intent had a greater impact early in the period. Death by suicide increased by 8.0%; and after the correction, by 12.9%. CONCLUSIONS: The correction does not substantively alter the trend in mortality from external causes, but it does significantly increase mortality from homicide and suicide.

OBJETIVO: Este estudo procurou descrever o impacto do registro inadequado da causa de morte sobre as tendências de mortalidade por suicídio e homicídio, por meio da imputação de informações ausentes. MÉTODOS: Estudo observacional e descritivo da tendência temporal de mortalidade por causas externas registradas na Argentina no período de 1997 a 2018. Para imputar a intencionalidade, ajustamos os modelos logísticos utilizando variáveis preditivas provenientes do Relatório Estatístico de Óbitos. Utilizamos estatísticas vitais e projeções populacionais como fontes secundárias. RESULTADOS: Medida com os dados originais, a mortalidade por causas externas diminuiu em termos de homicídios e acidentes. Essa diminuição foi mais acentuada com as informações corrigidas, uma vez que a imputação teve um impacto mais forte no início do período de estudo. A mortalidade por suicídio registrou um aumento de 8,0%, que subiu para 12,9% após a correção. CONCLUSÕES: A correção não modifica substancialmente a tendência de mortalidade por causas externas, mas tem um maior impacto sobre a mortalidade por homicídios e suicídios, elevando-a.

Recálculo de las tendencias de mortalidad por accidentes, suicidios y homicidios en Argentina, 1997-2018 / Recalculation of trends in mortality from accidents, suicides, and homicides in Argentina, 1997-2018 / Recálculo das tendências de mortalidade por acidentes, suicídios e homicídios na Argentina, 1997-2018

RESUMEN Objetivo. Este estudio se propuso describir el impacto del registro deficiente de la causa de muerte en las tendencias de mortalidad por suicidios y homicidios mediante la imputación de información faltante. Métodos. Estudio observacional y descriptivo de la tendencia temporal de la mortalidad por causas externas registradas en Argentina en el período 1997-2018. Para la imputación de la intencionalidad, se ajustaron modelos logísticos a partir de variables predictoras provenientes del Informe Estadístico de Defunción. Se utilizaron estadísticas vitales y proyecciones de población como fuentes secundarias. Resultados. Medida con los datos originales, la mortalidad por causas externas descendió en homicidios y accidentes. Dichos descensos se hicieron más marcados con la información corregida, ya que la imputación impactó con mayor fuerza al principio del período. La mortalidad por suicidios registró un aumento de 8,0%, que luego de la corrección ascendió a 12,9%. Conclusiones. La corrección no modifica de manera sustantiva la tendencia de la mortalidad por causas externas, aunque tiene mayor impacto en la mortalidad por homicidios y suicidios, elevándola.(AU)

SUMMARY Objective. To describe the impact of deficient cause-of-death records on trends in death by suicide and homicide, through imputation of missing information. Methods. Observational and descriptive study of temporal trends in recorded deaths from external causes in Argentina in the period 1997-2018. For imputation of intent, logistic models were adjusted on the basis of predictive variables from the Statistical Report on Deaths. Vital statistics and population projections were used as secondary sources. Results. As measured by the original data, mortality from external causes declined, specifically for homicides and accidents. These declines were more pronounced with the corrected data, since imputation of intent had a greater impact early in the period. Death by suicide increased by 8.0%; and after the correction, by 12.9%. Conclusions. The correction does not substantively alter the trend in mortality from external causes, but it does significantly increase mortality from homicide and suicide.(AU)

RESUMO Objetivo. Este estudo procurou descrever o impacto do registro inadequado da causa de morte sobre as tendências de mortalidade por suicídio e homicídio, por meio da imputação de informações ausentes. Métodos. Estudo observacional e descritivo da tendência temporal de mortalidade por causas externas registradas na Argentina no período de 1997 a 2018. Para imputar a intencionalidade, ajustamos os modelos logísticos utilizando variáveis preditivas provenientes do Relatório Estatístico de Óbitos. Utilizamos estatísticas vitais e projeções populacionais como fontes secundárias. Resultados. Medida com os dados originais, a mortalidade por causas externas diminuiu em termos de homicídios e acidentes. Essa diminuição foi mais acentuada com as informações corrigidas, uma vez que a imputação teve um impacto mais forte no início do período de estudo. A mortalidade por suicídio registrou um aumento de 8,0%, que subiu para 12,9% após a correção. Conclusões. A correção não modifica substancialmente a tendência de mortalidade por causas externas, mas tem um maior impacto sobre a mortalidade por homicídios e suicídios, elevando-a.(AU)

Burden of influenza-associated respiratory hospitalizations in the Americas, 2010-2015.

BACKGROUND: Despite having influenza vaccination policies and programs, countries in the Americas underutilize seasonal influenza vaccine, in part because of insufficient evidence about severe influenza burden. We aimed to estimate the annual burden of influenza-associated respiratory hospitalizations in the Americas. METHODS: Thirty-five countries in the Americas with national influenza surveillance were invited to provide monthly laboratory data and hospital discharges for respiratory illness (International Classification of Diseases 10th edition J codes 0-99) during 2010-2015. In three age-strata (<5, 5-64, and ≥65 years), we estimated the influenza-associated hospitalizations rate by multiplying the monthly number of respiratory hospitalizations by the monthly proportion of influenza-positive samples and dividing by the census population. We used random effects meta-analyses to pool age-group specific rates and extrapolated to countries that did not contribute data, using pooled rates stratified by age group and country characteristics found to be associated with rates. RESULTS: Sixteen of 35 countries (46%) contributed primary data to the analyses, representing 79% of the America's population. The average pooled rate of influenza-associated respiratory hospitalization was 90/100,000 population (95% confidence interval 61-132) among children aged <5 years, 21/100,000 population (13-32) among persons aged 5-64 years, and 141/100,000 population (95-211) among persons aged ≥65 years. We estimated the average annual number of influenza-associated respiratory hospitalizations in the Americas to be 772,000 (95% credible interval 716,000-829,000). CONCLUSIONS: Influenza-associated respiratory hospitalizations impose a heavy burden on health systems in the Americas. Countries in the Americas should use this information to justify investments in seasonal influenza vaccination-especially among young children and the elderly.

[Omission of causes of maternal death in death certificates in Argentina: nationwide observational studyOmissão do registro de causas maternas de morte na Argentina: estudo observacional de alcance nacional]. / Omisión de registros de causas maternas de muerte en Argentina: estudio observacional de alcance nacional.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the magnitude and characteristics of the omission of causes of maternal death in death certificates in Argentina, and to re-estimate the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) for the year 2014. METHODS: Cross-sectional study. Retrospective review of medical records of women of childbearing age who died from causes suspected of concealing maternal deaths in public, social security, and private institutions in all jurisdictions of the country between 1 January and 31 December 2014. The cause of death recorded in the death certificate was reclassified. Outcome measures included: percentage of records with an omission, structure of causes of death, location, time of death with respect to the reproductive process, and gestational age. The RMM was re-estimated on the basis of the results. RESULTS: Of a sample of 1,176 cases, 969 medical records (82.4%) were analyzed, identifying 60 cases in which the cause of maternal death was omitted (48 maternal deaths, 12 late maternal deaths). Omissions were found in 14.2% of maternal deaths and 33.3% of late maternal deaths. The new estimated MMR for 2014 varied between 43.3 and 47.2 deaths per 100,000 live births. CONCLUSIONS: The omission of causes of maternal death in death certificates in Argentina may be less frequent than international agencies have reported, with differences in omission between regions. Efforts must be made to emphasize the importance of filling out death certificates correctly.

OBJETIVO: Determinar a dimensão e as características da omissão do registro de causas maternas de morte na Argentina e realizar uma nova estimativa da taxa de mortalidade materna (TMM) para o ano 2014. MÉTODOS: Estudo de corte transversal com a revisão retrospectiva dos registros médicos de mulheres em idade reprodutiva que morreram por causas com suspeita de encobrir mortes maternas em instituições da rede pública e previdência social e instituições particulares em todas as jurisdições do país entre 1º. de janeiro e 31 de dezembro de 2014. Foi feita a reclassificação da causa de morte atribuída no Informe Estatístico de Óbitos. As medidas de resultados foram porcentagem de omissão do registro, estrutura de causas de mortes maternas, local, momento da morte em relação ao processo reprodutivo e idade gestacional. Foi realizada uma nova estimativa da TMM com base nos resultados. RESULTADOS: Foram analisados 969 registros médicos (82,4%) de uma amostra de 1.176 casos. Foram identificados 60 casos em que houve omissão da causa materna de morte (48 mortes maternas, 12 mortes maternas tardias). Verificou-se uma porcentagem de omissão de 14,2% para as mortes maternas e 33,3% para as mortes maternas tardias. A nova TMM estimada para o ano 2014 oscilou entre 43,3 e 47,2 mortes por 100.000 nascidos vivos. CONCLUSÕES: A omissão de registro de causas maternas de morte na Argentina pode ser menor que a informada pelas agências internacionais. Existe diferença de omissão entre as regiões. São necessários esforços que enfatizem a importância do preenchimento correto da certidão de óbito.

Desigualdades en la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires: mortalidad, fecundidad y estructura demográfica / Inequalities in the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires: mortality, fertility and demographic structure

RESUMEN Objetivo Este estudio se propuso cuantificar las desigualdades observadas en la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires en tres dimensiones relacionadas con el estado de salud de la población: mortalidad, fecundidad y estructura demográfica. Método Se realizó un estudio observacional, cuantitativo, de corte transversal a través de información proveniente de las Estadísticas vitales y el Censo Nacional de Población Hogares y Viviendas de 2010. Se calcularon indicadores para la medición de las dimensiones mencionadas anteriormente en tres áreas de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires. Resultados Se observó un alto nivel de desigualdad en las dimensiones estudiadas. En relación a la zona más favorecida, la zona sur presentó una tasa de mortalidad ajustada superior en un 20%, una esperanza de vida de cuatro años menos, una tasa de fecundidad 50% más elevada y un nivel de envejecimiento cercano a los dos tercios del encontrado en el área más envejecida. Conclusión Los hallazgos empíricos reafirman la caracterización previa de la zona sur como área socio-económicamente segregada, con valores asociados a poblaciones con condiciones de vida deficientes. Por otra parte, se destaca que no se observaron desigualdades significativas entre las zonas norte y centro.(AU)

ABSTRACT Objective This study aimed to quantify the inequalities observed in the autonomous city of Buenos Aires in three dimensions related to the health status of the population: mortality, fertility, and demographic structure. Materials and Methods An observational, quantitative, cross-sectional study was carried out using data from the Vital Statistics and the 2010 National Census of Population and Housing. Indicators were calculated to measure three areas of the dimensions mentioned above in the autonomous city of Buenos Aires (north, center, and south areas). Results A high level of inequality was observed in the dimensions studied. Compared to the best performing area, the southern zone had a 20% higher mortality rate, a four-year lower life expectancy, and a 50% higher fertility rate. Moreover, the study found that the level of aging in the southern zone was roughly two thirds of the most aged area. Conclusions The evidence reinforce the previous characterization of the southern area of Buenos Aires as socioeconomically segregated, with values similar to those of populations with inadequate living conditions. On the other hand, no significant differences were found between the northern and central areas.(AU)

[Inequalities in the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires: mortality, fertility and demographic structure]. / Desigualdades en la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires: mortalidad, fecundidad y estructura demográfica.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to quantify the inequalities observed in the autonomous city of Buenos Aires in three dimensions related to the health status of the population: mortality, fertility, and demographic structure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An observational, quantitative, cross-sectional study was carried out using data from the Vital Statistics and the 2010 National Census of Population and Housing. Indicators were calculated to measure three areas of the dimensions mentioned above in the autonomous city of Buenos Aires (north, center, and south areas). RESULTS: A high level of inequality was observed in the dimensions studied. Compared to the best performing area, the southern zone had a 20% higher mortality rate, a four-year lower life expectancy, and a 50% higher fertility rate. Moreover, the study found that the level of aging in the southern zone was roughly two thirds of the most aged area. CONCLUSIONS: The evidence reinforce the previous characterization of the southern area of Buenos Aires as socioeconomically segregated, with values similar to those of populations with inadequate living conditions. On the other hand, no significant differences were found between the northern and central areas.

OBJETIVO: Este estudio se propuso cuantificar las desigualdades observadas en la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires en tres dimensiones relacionadas con el estado de salud de la población: mortalidad, fecundidad y estructura demográfica. MÉTODO: Se realizó un estudio observacional, cuantitativo, de corte transversal a través de información proveniente de las Estadísticas vitales y el Censo Nacional de Población Hogares y Viviendas de 2010. Se calcularon indicadores para la medición de las dimensiones mencionadas anteriormente en tres áreas de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires. RESULTADOS: Se observó un alto nivel de desigualdad en las dimensiones estudiadas. En relación a la zona más favorecida, la zona sur presentó una tasa de mortalidad ajustada superior en un 20%, una esperanza de vida de cuatro años menos, una tasa de fecundidad 50% más elevada y un nivel de envejecimiento cercano a los dos tercios del encontrado en el área más envejecida. CONCLUSIÓN: Los hallazgos empíricos reafirman la caracterización previa de la zona sur como área socio-económicamente segregada, con valores asociados a poblaciones con condiciones de vida deficientes. Por otra parte, se destaca que no se observaron desigualdades significativas entre las zonas norte y centro.

Omisión de registros de causas maternas de muerte en Argentina: estudio observacional de alcance nacional / Omission of causes of maternal death in death certificates in Argentina: nationwide observational study / Omissão do registro de causas maternas de morte na Argentina: estudo observacional de alcance nacional

RESUMEN Objetivo Determinar la magnitud y características de la omisión del registro de causas maternas de muerte en Argentina y reestimar la razón de mortalidad materna (RMM) para el año 2014. Métodos Estudio de corte transversal. Revisión retrospectiva de registros médicos de mujeres en edad reproductiva que murieron por causas sospechosas de encubrir muertes maternas en instituciones del sector público, la seguridad social y privado en todas las jurisdicciones del país entre el 1 de enero y el 31 de diciembre de 2014. Se reclasificó la causa de muerte consignada en el Informe Estadístico de Defunción. Las medidas de resultado incluyeron el porcentaje de omisión del registro, la estructura de causas, el lugar, el momento de la muerte en relación con el proceso reproductivo y la edad gestacional. Se reestimó la RMM en base a los resultados. Resultados Se analizaron 969 registros médicos (82,4%) de una muestra de 1 176 casos. Se identificaron 60 casos donde se omitió la causa materna de muerte (48 muertes maternas, 12 muertes maternas tardías). El porcentaje de omisión fue del 14,2% para las muertes maternas y del 33,3% para las muertes maternas tardías. La nueva RMM estimada para el año 2014 osciló entre 43,3 y 47,2 muertes por cada 100 000 nacidos vivos. Conclusiones La omisión de registro de causas maternas de muerte en Argentina podría ser menor a la reportada por agencias internacionales. Existen diferencias de omisión entre las regiones. Se necesitan esfuerzos que enfaticen la importancia del llenado correcto de los certificados de defunción.

SUMMARY Objective To determine the magnitude and characteristics of the omission of causes of maternal death in death certificates in Argentina, and to re-estimate the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) for the year 2014. Methods Cross-sectional study. Retrospective review of medical records of women of childbearing age who died from causes suspected of concealing maternal deaths in public, social security, and private institutions in all jurisdictions of the country between 1 January and 31 December 2014. The cause of death recorded in the death certificate was reclassified. Outcome measures included: percentage of records with an omission, structure of causes of death, location, time of death with respect to the reproductive process, and gestational age. The RMM was re-estimated on the basis of the results. Results Of a sample of 1,176 cases, 969 medical records (82.4%) were analyzed, identifying 60 cases in which the cause of maternal death was omitted (48 maternal deaths, 12 late maternal deaths). Omissions were found in 14.2% of maternal deaths and 33.3% of late maternal deaths. The new estimated MMR for 2014 varied between 43.3 and 47.2 deaths per 100,000 live births. Conclusions The omission of causes of maternal death in death certificates in Argentina may be less frequent than international agencies have reported, with differences in omission between regions. Efforts must be made to emphasize the importance of filling out death certificates correctly.

RESUMO Objetivo Determinar a dimensão e as características da omissão do registro de causas maternas de morte na Argentina e realizar uma nova estimativa da taxa de mortalidade materna (TMM) para o ano 2014. Métodos Estudo de corte transversal com a revisão retrospectiva dos registros médicos de mulheres em idade reprodutiva que morreram por causas com suspeita de encobrir mortes maternas em instituições da rede pública e previdência social e instituições particulares em todas as jurisdições do país entre 1º. de janeiro e 31 de dezembro de 2014. Foi feita a reclassificação da causa de morte atribuída no Informe Estatístico de Óbitos. As medidas de resultados foram porcentagem de omissão do registro, estrutura de causas de mortes maternas, local, momento da morte em relação ao processo reprodutivo e idade gestacional. Foi realizada uma nova estimativa da TMM com base nos resultados. Resultados Foram analisados 969 registros médicos (82,4%) de uma amostra de 1.176 casos. Foram identificados 60 casos em que houve omissão da causa materna de morte (48 mortes maternas, 12 mortes maternas tardias). Verificou-se uma porcentagem de omissão de 14,2% para as mortes maternas e 33,3% para as mortes maternas tardias. A nova TMM estimada para o ano 2014 oscilou entre 43,3 e 47,2 mortes por 100.000 nascidos vivos. Conclusões A omissão de registro de causas maternas de morte na Argentina pode ser menor que a informada pelas agências internacionais. Existe diferença de omissão entre as regiões. São necessários esforços que enfatizem a importância do preenchimento correto da certidão de óbito.

[Infant Mortality in Argentina: reducibility criteria, 3rd review]. / Mortalidad infantil en Argentina: 3a revisión de los criterios de reducibilidad.

The infant mortality rate is an indicator of quality of life, development, and quality and accessibility of health care. Improvements in science, technology and better access to health care have contributed to a major decrease in the infant mortality rate in Argentina. Since the 1980s, infant deaths have been classified based on the opportunities for reducibility yielded by scientific knowledge and available technologies, in order to obtain a basis for the monitoring and implementation of health policies. The last review of this classification was in 2011. In 2012, a total of 5,541 neonatal deaths (less than 28 days of life) were registered and, under this new classification, over 61% were reducible mainly by the improvement of perinatal health care and adequate and timely treatment of the at-risk newborn. In 2012, a total of 2,686 post-neonatal deaths (from 28 days of life to a year) were registered and, under this new classification, over 66.8% were reducible by improving prevention strategies and providing adequate and timely treatment. This new analysis demonstrates the need to improve the opportunity, accessibility and quality of perinatal care starting at pregnancy, guaranteeing quality care at delivery and reinforcing prevention and timely treatment of common diseases in childhood over the first year of life.

[Time trend study of firearm mortality in Argentina, 1980-2012]. / Tendencia temporal de la mortalidad por armas de fuego en Argentina, 1980-2012.

This work analyzes the impact of firearm mortality between 1980 and 2012 in Argentina. For this purpose a descriptive epidemiological time trend study was carried out including the following variables: sex, age group, intentionality and jurisdiction. Data was obtained from the Office of Health Statistics and Information of the Argentine Ministry of Health. A total of 87,671 deaths due to firearms were discovered, of which 85.7% occurred in men. The highest mortality rate due to firearms corresponded to the year 2002, reaching 21.2 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants. The age group concentrating the largest number of deaths due to firearms was that of 20-29 years, accounting for 25.6% of all deaths. The highest adjusted rates corresponded to the years 2000-2002, with values of 10.0 to 11.6 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants. This time period coincides with the institutional-economic crisis the country experienced. The province of Buenos Aires was the place of residence of 49.1% of the deceased. In the discussion, political-economic and ideological-cultural dimensions of the relations among firearms, violence, science and society are considered.

Tendencia temporal de la mortalidad por armas de fuego en Argentina, 1980-2012 / Time trend study of firearm mortality in Argentina, 1980-2012

Este trabajo analiza el impacto de las armas de fuego en la mortalidad entre los años 1980-2012 en Argentina. Para ello se realiza un estudio epidemiológico descriptivo de la tendencia temporal, a través de las siguientes variables: sexo, grupos de edad, intencionalidad y jurisdicción. Los datos fueron obtenidos en la Dirección de Estadísticas e Información en Salud del Ministerio de Salud de la Nación. Se encontraron 87.671 muertes por armas de fuego. Los varones representaron el 85,7% y su tasa más alta fue para el año 2002 con 21,2 muertes por 100.000 habitantes. El grupo de edad que concentró la mayor cantidad de muertes por armas de fuego fue el de 20 a 29 años (25,6%). Las tasas ajustadas más altas corresponden a los años 2000-2002 con valores entre 10,0 y 11,6 muertes por cada 100.000 habitantes, período que coincide con la crisis económico-institucional que atravesó el país. La provincia de Buenos Aires fue el lugar de residencia del 49,1% de las muertes. En la discusión se abordan dimensiones político-económicas e ideológico-culturales en la relación entre armas, violencias, ciencia y sociedad.

This work analyzes the impact of firearm mortality between 1980 and 2012 in Argentina. For this purpose a descriptive epidemiological time trend study was carried out including the following variables: sex, age group, intentionality and jurisdiction. Data was obtained from the Office of Health Statistics and Information of the Argentine Ministry of Health. A total of 87,671 deaths due to firearms were discovered, of which 85.7% occurred in men. The highest mortality rate due to firearms corresponded to the year 2002, reaching 21.2 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants. The age group concentrating the largest number of deaths due to firearms was that of 20-29 years, accounting for 25.6% of all deaths. The highest adjusted rates corresponded to the years 2000-2002, with values of 10.0 to 11.6 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants. This time period coincides with the institutional-economic crisis the country experienced. The province of Buenos Aires was the place of residence of 49.1% of the deceased. In the discussion, political-economic and ideological-cultural dimensions of the relations among firearms, violence, science and society are considered.