Higher mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic in socially vulnerable areas in Belo Horizonte: implications for vaccine prioritization. / Maior mortalidade durante a pandemia de COVID-19 em áreas socialmente vulneráveis em Belo Horizonte: implicações para a priorização da vacinação.

OBJECTIVE: To assess mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic according to social vulnerability by areas of Belo Horizonte (BH), aiming at strategies for vaccination. METHODS: Ecological study with mortality analysis according to census tracts classified by the Health Vulnerability Index, a composite indicator that includes socioeconomic and sanitation variables. Deaths by natural causes and by COVID-19 were obtained from the "Mortality Information System", between the 10th and 43rd epidemiological weeks (EW) of 2020. Excess mortality was calculated in a time series model, considering observed and expected deaths per EW, between 2015 and 2019, per census tracts. Mortality rates (MR) were calculated and age-standardized using population estimates from the 2010 census, by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). RESULTS: Excess mortality in BH was 16.1% (n = 1,524): 11, 18.8 and 17.3% in low, intermediate and high vulnerability areas, respectively. The differences between observed and expected age-standardized MR by natural causes were equal to 59/100,000 inhabitants in BH, increasing from 31 to 77 and 95/100,000 inhabitants in the areas of low, intermediate and high vulnerability, respectively. There was an aging gradient in MR by COVID-19, ranging from 4 to 611/100,000 inhabitants among individuals aged 20-39 years and 75+ years. The COVID-19 MR per 100,000 older adults (60+ years) was 292 in BH, increasing from 179 to 354 and 476, in low, intermediate and high vulnerability areas, respectively. CONCLUSION: Inequalities in mortality, particularly among older adults, combined with the limited supply of doses, demonstrate the importance of prioritizing socially vulnerable areas during vaccination against COVID-19.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a mortalidade por áreas de Belo Horizonte (BH) durante a pandemia de COVID-19 conforme a vulnerabilidade social, visando a uma estratégia de vacinação. MÉTODOS: Estudo ecológico com análise de mortalidade, segundo setores censitários classificados pelo índice de vulnerabilidade da saúde, composto de indicadores de saneamento e socioeconômicos. Óbitos por causas naturais e COVID-19 foram obtidos do Sistema de Informação sobre Mortalidade, entre a 10ª e a 43ª semanas epidemiológicas (SE) de 2020. Calculou-se o excesso de mortalidade por modelo de série temporal, considerando-se as mortes observadas por SE entre 2015 e 2019, por setor censitário. Taxas de mortalidade (TM) foram calculadas e padronizadas por idade com base em estimativas populacionais do Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE). RESULTADOS: Houve 16,1% (n = 1.524) de excesso de mortalidade em BH: 11, 18,8 e 17,3% nas áreas de baixa, média e elevada vulnerabilidade, respectivamente. As diferenças entre TM observadas e esperadas por causas naturais, padronizadas por idade, foi igual a 59/100 mil habitantes em BH, aumentando de 31 para 77 e 95/100 mil, nas áreas de baixa, média e elevada vulnerabilidade, respectivamente. Houve gradiente de aumento com a idade nas TM por COVID-19, variando de 4 a 611/100 mil habitantes entre as idades de 20-39 anos e 75+ anos. A TM por COVID-19 por 100 mil idosos (60+ anos) foi igual a 292, aumentando de 179 para 354 e 476 nos setores de baixa, média e elevada vulnerabilidade, respectivamente. CONCLUSÃO: Desigualdades na mortalidade, mesmo entre idosos, aliadas à baixa oferta de doses, demonstram a importância de priorizar áreas socialmente vulneráveis durante a vacinação contra COVID-19.

Evaluation of a smartphone application to improve medical certification of the cause of death. / Avaliação de um aplicativo para smartphone para aprimoramento da certificação médica da causa da morte.

INTRODUCTION: A smartphone application named AtestaDO was developed to support physicians with medical certification of the cause of death. The objective of this study is to evaluate the acceptability of the app. METHODS: Physicians were invited to attend meetings on the proper certification of cause of death, and to evaluate the application in a national workshop in Natal (first stage) and in two large hospitals in Belo Horizonte (second and third stages). RESULTS: In Natal, 82% of 38 physicians had more than 20 years of experience and in Belo Horizonte, more than 67% of 58 physicians had less than 5 years of experience. The sections "Application interface", "How to certify the causes of death", "Practice with exercises" and "Other information for physicians" were positively evaluated by more than 50% of physicians in Belo Horizonte. In Natal, all sections were positively evaluated by at least 80% of participants. More than 70% of the participants in both Natal and the second stage of Belo Horizonte indicated they would possibly use AtestaDO to guide filling of a death certificate. The probability of using AtestaDO to teach classes on filling death certificates was 83.3% for Natal's physicians but less than 60% in Belo Horizonte. In the three stages, most physicians would recommend using the application to other colleagues. CONCLUSION: The evaluation of AtestaDO showed good acceptability. We expect that the use of this tool enables improvements in medical certification of causes of death.

INTRODUÇÃO: O aplicativo para smartphone AtestaDO foi desenvolvido para auxiliar o médico na certificação da causa de morte. Neste estudo se propõe avaliar a aceitabilidade desse aplicativo. MÉTODOS: Médicos foram convidados para participar de reuniões sobre certificação correta da causa da morte e avaliar o aplicativo em três etapas dessas reuniões, realizadas em Natal e em dois grandes hospitais de Belo Horizonte. RESULTADOS: Em Natal, 82% dos 38 médicos participantes tinham mais de 20 anos de graduação, e em Belo Horizonte, mais de 67% dos 58 médicos tinham menos de 5 anos de graduação. As seções "Interface do aplicativo", "Como atestar as causas de morte", "Prática com exercícios" e "Outras informações para o médico" foram bem avaliadas por mais de 50% dos médicos de Belo Horizonte. Em Natal, todas as seções foram bem avaliadas por pelo menos 80% dos médicos. Mais de 70% dos participantes de Natal e da segunda etapa de Belo Horizonte usariam o aplicativo para preencher a causa de morte. A probabilidade de usar o AtestaDO para dar aulas sobre preenchimento da Declaração de Óbito foi de 83% para médicos de Natal, mas inferior a 60% em Belo Horizonte. Nas três etapas, a maioria dos médicos recomendaria o uso do aplicativo para outros colegas. CONCLUSÃO: A avaliação do aplicativo AtestaDO mostrou boa aceitabilidade. Espera-se que o uso dessa ferramenta permita alcançar melhorias na certificação médica da causa do óbito.

Quality of mortality statistics' information: garbage codes as causesof death in Belo Horizonte, 2011-2013. / Qualidade da informação das estatísticas de mortalidade: códigos garbage declarados como causas de morte em Belo Horizonte, 2011-2013.

OBJECTIVE:: To assess the quality of mortality information by analyzing the frequency of garbage codes (GC) registered as underlying cause-of-death in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil. METHODS:: Data of deaths of residents from 2011 to 2013 were selected. GC causes were classified as proposed by the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) 2015. They were grouped into GCs from ICD-10 Chapter XVIII and GCs excluding codes of Chapter XVIII. Proportions of GC were calculated by sex, age, and place of occurrence. RESULTS:: In Belo Horizonte, 30.5% of the total of 44,123 deaths were GC. Higher proportion of these codes was observed in children (1 to 4 years) and in people aged over 60 years. The following leading GCs observed were: other ill-defined and unspecified causes of death (code R99), unspecified pneumonia (J18.9), unspecified stroke (hemorrhagic or ischemic) (I64), and unspecified septicemia (A41.9). The proportions of GC were 28.7% and 36.9% in deaths that occurred in hospitals and at home, respectively. An important difference occurred in the GC group from Chapter XVIII of ICD-10: 1.7% occurred in hospitals and 16.9% at home. CONCLUSION:: The high proportions of GC in mortality statistics in Belo Horizonte demonstrated its importance for assessing the quality of information on causes of death.

Qualifying information on deaths and serious injuries caused by road traffic in five Brazilian capitals using record linkage.

INTRODUCTION: Road traffic crashes (RTC) are an important public health problem, accounting for 1.2 million deaths per year worldwide. In Brazil, approximately 40,000 deaths caused by RTC occur every year, with different trends in the Federal Units. However, these figures may be even greater if health databases are linked to police records. In addition, the linkage procedure would make it possible to qualify information from the health and police databases, improving the quality of the data regarding underlying cause of death, cause of injury in hospital records, and injury severity. OBJECTIVE: This study linked different data sources to measure the numbers of deaths and serious injuries and to estimate the percentage of corrections regarding the underlying cause of death, cause of injury, and the severity injury in victims in matched pairs from record linkage in five representative state capitals of the five macro-regions of Brazil. METHODS: This cross-sectional, population-based study used data from the Hospital Information System (HIS), Mortality Information System (MIS), and Police Road Traffic database of Belo Horizonte, Campo Grande, Curitiba, Palmas, and Teresina, for the year 2013 for Teresina, and 2012 for the other capitals. RecLink III was used to perform probabilistic record linkage by identifying matched pairs to calculate the global correction percentage of the underlying cause of death, the circumstance that caused the road traffic injury, and the injury severity of the victims in the police database. RESULTS: There was a change in the cause of injury in the HIS, with an overall percentage of correction estimated at 24.4% for Belo Horizonte, 96.9% for Campo Grande, 100.0% for Palmas, and 33.2% for Teresina. The overall percentages of correction of the underlying cause of death in the MIS were 29.9%, 11.9%, 4.2%, and 33.5% for Belo Horizonte, Campo Grande, Curitiba, and Teresina, respectively. The correction of the classification of injury severity in police database were 100.0% for Belo Horizonte and Teresina, 48.0% for Campo Grande, and 51.4% for Palmas after linkage with hospital database. The linkage between mortality and police database found a percentage of correction of 29.5%, 52.3%, 4.4%, 74.3 and 72.9% for Belo Horizonte, Campo Grande, Palmas, Curitiba and Teresina, respectively in the police records. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed the importance of linking records of the health and police databases for estimating the quality of data on road traffic injuries and the victims in the five capital cities studied. The true causes of death and degrees of severity of the injuries caused by RTC are underestimated in the absence of integration of health and police databases. Thus, it is necessary to define national rules and standards of integration between health and traffic databases in national and state levels in Brazil.

Maior mortalidade durante a pandemia de COVID-19 em áreas socialmente vulneráveis em Belo Horizonte: implicações para a priorização da vacinação / Higher mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic in socially vulnerable areas in Belo Horizonte: implications for vaccine prioritization

RESUMO: Objetivo: Avaliar a mortalidade por áreas de Belo Horizonte (BH) durante a pandemia de COVID-19 conforme a vulnerabilidade social, visando a uma estratégia de vacinação. Métodos: Estudo ecológico com análise de mortalidade, segundo setores censitários classificados pelo índice de vulnerabilidade da saúde, composto de indicadores de saneamento e socioeconômicos. Óbitos por causas naturais e COVID-19 foram obtidos do Sistema de Informação sobre Mortalidade, entre a 10ª e a 43ª semanas epidemiológicas (SE) de 2020. Calculou-se o excesso de mortalidade por modelo de série temporal, considerando-se as mortes observadas por SE entre 2015 e 2019, por setor censitário. Taxas de mortalidade (TM) foram calculadas e padronizadas por idade com base em estimativas populacionais do Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE). Resultados: Houve 16,1% (n = 1.524) de excesso de mortalidade em BH: 11, 18,8 e 17,3% nas áreas de baixa, média e elevada vulnerabilidade, respectivamente. As diferenças entre TM observadas e esperadas por causas naturais, padronizadas por idade, foi igual a 59/100 mil habitantes em BH, aumentando de 31 para 77 e 95/100 mil, nas áreas de baixa, média e elevada vulnerabilidade, respectivamente. Houve gradiente de aumento com a idade nas TM por COVID-19, variando de 4 a 611/100 mil habitantes entre as idades de 20-39 anos e 75+ anos. A TM por COVID-19 por 100 mil idosos (60+ anos) foi igual a 292, aumentando de 179 para 354 e 476 nos setores de baixa, média e elevada vulnerabilidade, respectivamente. Conclusão: Desigualdades na mortalidade, mesmo entre idosos, aliadas à baixa oferta de doses, demonstram a importância de priorizar áreas socialmente vulneráveis durante a vacinação contra COVID-19.

ABSTRACT: Objective: To assess mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic according to social vulnerability by areas of Belo Horizonte (BH), aiming at strategies for vaccination. Methods: Ecological study with mortality analysis according to census tracts classified by the Health Vulnerability Index, a composite indicator that includes socioeconomic and sanitation variables. Deaths by natural causes and by COVID-19 were obtained from the "Mortality Information System", between the 10th and 43rd epidemiological weeks (EW) of 2020. Excess mortality was calculated in a time series model, considering observed and expected deaths per EW, between 2015 and 2019, per census tracts. Mortality rates (MR) were calculated and age-standardized using population estimates from the 2010 census, by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). Results: Excess mortality in BH was 16.1% (n = 1,524): 11, 18.8 and 17.3% in low, intermediate and high vulnerability areas, respectively. The differences between observed and expected age-standardized MR by natural causes were equal to 59/100,000 inhabitants in BH, increasing from 31 to 77 and 95/100,000 inhabitants in the areas of low, intermediate and high vulnerability, respectively. There was an aging gradient in MR by COVID-19, ranging from 4 to 611/100,000 inhabitants among individuals aged 20-39 years and 75+ years. The COVID-19 MR per 100,000 older adults (60+ years) was 292 in BH, increasing from 179 to 354 and 476, in low, intermediate and high vulnerability areas, respectively. Conclusion: Inequalities in mortality, particularly among older adults, combined with the limited supply of doses, demonstrate the importance of prioritizing socially vulnerable areas during vaccination against COVID-19.

Urban road traffic deaths: data linkage and identification of high-risk population sub-groups.

This study analyzes the profile of deaths from road traffic accidents in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, by linking two public databases, the Information System of the Urban Transportation and Transit Company (BH10) and the Mortality Information System (SIM). The linked database (n = 306) identified a 24% under-recording rate for deaths and differed in the age distribution from the BH10 database and in roadway user category when compared to the mortality database. The mortality rate for road traffic accidents within the city limits was 10.2 per 100,000 thousand, and was higher among men, young adults, and the elderly. Poisson multivariate regression showed a higher mean death rate for motorcycle occupants (rate ratio - RR: 1.81); pedestrians (RR: 1.32); males (RR: 1.24); single/divorced (RR: 1.27); young adults 18-29 years of age (RR: 1.75); elderly (RR: 1.59); and deaths at the crash site (RR: 1.39) when compared to the reference categories. The study unveils the city's traffic violence, expressed by the large proportion of deaths at the crash site and within the first 24 hours, and confirms the relevance of database linkage for characterizing vulnerable groups and traffic accident mortality in the urban setting.

Traffic accidents in Belo Horizonte: the view from three different sources, 2008 to 2010.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the contribution of three data sources in the description of traffic accidents in the city of Belo Horizonte, Brazil. METHODS: Exploratory study of databases: BHTRANS (metropolitan traffic and transportation authority), Hospital Admissions and Mortality Information Systems, with estimation of proportions, coefficients and odds ratios. RESULTS: Incomplete data was observed in the three sources, especially regarding alcohol consumption by drivers and use of safety equipment. The victim profile among the sources was consistent: young adults, males, motorcycle riders and pedestrians. In addition to the high mortality rate (19.4 per 100.000 inhabitants), an increase in the number of non-fatal accidents was observed. An increase of 34% in hospital admissions and of 53% in hospital costs was evidenced. The motorcycle accident rate is higher than expected given the fleet composition. Male drivers have the highest risk of injury or death; relative to drivers, passengers or pedestrians have a 1,8 times higher risk of death. There was a 12% increase in the number of deaths at the site of the accident, 55% of which showed positive evidence of alcohol use and 50% higher risk of fatal accidents on weekends. CONCLUSIONS: Despite some incomplete record keeping and non-specific death registry codes, it was possible to characterize the main factors associated with accidents: elderly pedestrians, motorcycle riders, alcohol consumption and speeding. The study demonstrated the complementarity of the three data sources, with their different goals, and revealed important features of the traffic accident event-chain and victim profile, providing key data for the development of mitigation strategies.

Inequities in intraurban areas in the distribution of risk factors for non communicable diseases, Belo Horizonte, 2010.

OBJECTIVE: In order to identify intraurban differentials, the prevalence of major protection and risk factors for non communicable chronic diseases were analyzed in nine health districts of Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil. METHODS: Analysis of data from a telephone survey conducted with 2,000 adults in Belo Horizonte, in 2010, using the average linkage method for cluster analysis among the health districts, using sociodemographic variables (education, race and marital status). The study compared the prevalence of risk factors for non communicable diseases among the health districts. RESULTS: Four clusters were identified. The best socio-demographic indicators were found in cluster 4 (South Central health district), which also showed a higher prevalence of protective factors such as higher consumption of fruits and vegetables, higher frequency of physical activity practice in the free time, use of ultraviolet protection, higher proportion of ex-smokers, and lower prevalence of whole milk and high-fat meat consumption. As a risk factor, cluster 4 showed a higher proportion of alcohol abuse. Cluster 1, with the worst socio-demographic indicators, concentrated more risk factors such as consumption of whole milk, low regular consumption of fruit and vegetables, and lower practice of physical activity in the free time. The most frequent protective indicators in cluster 1 were the regular consumption of beans, having breakfast at home, and lower alcohol abuse. CONCLUSION: Intra-urban differences were found in the distribution of risk and protection factors or non transmissible diseases, these differences can support planning aimed at actions for greater equity in health.

Avaliação de um aplicativo para smartphone para aprimoramento da certificação médica da causa da morte / Evaluation of a smartphone application to improve medical certification of the cause of death

RESUMO Introdução: O aplicativo para smartphone AtestaDO foi desenvolvido para auxiliar o médico na certificação da causa de morte. Neste estudo se propõe avaliar a aceitabilidade desse aplicativo. Métodos: Médicos foram convidados para participar de reuniões sobre certificação correta da causa da morte e avaliar o aplicativo em três etapas dessas reuniões, realizadas em Natal e em dois grandes hospitais de Belo Horizonte. Resultados: Em Natal, 82% dos 38 médicos participantes tinham mais de 20 anos de graduação, e em Belo Horizonte, mais de 67% dos 58 médicos tinham menos de 5 anos de graduação. As seções "Interface do aplicativo", "Como atestar as causas de morte", "Prática com exercícios" e "Outras informações para o médico" foram bem avaliadas por mais de 50% dos médicos de Belo Horizonte. Em Natal, todas as seções foram bem avaliadas por pelo menos 80% dos médicos. Mais de 70% dos participantes de Natal e da segunda etapa de Belo Horizonte usariam o aplicativo para preencher a causa de morte. A probabilidade de usar o AtestaDO para dar aulas sobre preenchimento da Declaração de Óbito foi de 83% para médicos de Natal, mas inferior a 60% em Belo Horizonte. Nas três etapas, a maioria dos médicos recomendaria o uso do aplicativo para outros colegas. Conclusão: A avaliação do aplicativo AtestaDO mostrou boa aceitabilidade. Espera-se que o uso dessa ferramenta permita alcançar melhorias na certificação médica da causa do óbito.

ABSTRACT Introduction: A smartphone application named AtestaDO was developed to support physicians with medical certification of the cause of death. The objective of this study is to evaluate the acceptability of the app. Methods: Physicians were invited to attend meetings on the proper certification of cause of death, and to evaluate the application in a national workshop in Natal (first stage) and in two large hospitals in Belo Horizonte (second and third stages). Results: In Natal, 82% of 38 physicians had more than 20 years of experience and in Belo Horizonte, more than 67% of 58 physicians had less than 5 years of experience. The sections "Application interface", "How to certify the causes of death", "Practice with exercises" and "Other information for physicians" were positively evaluated by more than 50% of physicians in Belo Horizonte. In Natal, all sections were positively evaluated by at least 80% of participants. More than 70% of the participants in both Natal and the second stage of Belo Horizonte indicated they would possibly use AtestaDO to guide filling of a death certificate. The probability of using AtestaDO to teach classes on filling death certificates was 83.3% for Natal's physicians but less than 60% in Belo Horizonte. In the three stages, most physicians would recommend using the application to other colleagues. Conclusion: The evaluation of AtestaDO showed good acceptability. We expect that the use of this tool enables improvements in medical certification of causes of death.

Qualidade da informação das estatísticas de mortalidade: códigos garbage declarados como causas de morte em Belo Horizonte, 2011-2013 / Quality of mortality statistics’ information: garbage codes as causesof death in Belo Horizonte, 2011-2013

Resumo: Objetivo: Avaliar a qualidade da informação sobre causas de óbito, identificando a frequência de códigos garbage (CG) em Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais. Métodos: Foram selecionados óbitos de residentes, ocorridos de 2011 a 2013. As causas de óbito foram classificadas como CG, segundo a lista do estudo Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2015. Esses códigos foram agrupados em: CG do capítulo XVIII da CID-10 e CG de outros capítulos da CID-10. Foram calculadas as proporções de CG por sexo, faixa etária e local de ocorrência. Resultados: Em Belo Horizonte ocorreram 44.123 óbitos no período analisado, dos quais 30,5% tiveram sua causa classificada como CG. Maiores proporções desses códigos foram observadas em crianças de 1 a 4 anos e em maiores de 60 anos. Os principais CG foram: outras causas mal definidas e as não especificadas de mortalidade (R99), pneumonia não especificada (J18.9), acidente vascular cerebral não especificado como hemorrágico ou isquêmico (I64) e septicemias (A41.9). Em 28,7% dos óbitos ocorridos em hospitais, a causa básica do óbito foi por CG, sendo essa proporção maior para óbitos domiciliares (36,9%). Maior diferença foi observada para os CG do capítulo XVIII da CID-10: 1,7% em hospitais e 16,9% para óbitos no domicílio. Conclusão: A magnitude dos CG nas estatísticas de mortalidade enfatiza sua importância na avaliação da qualidade da informação sobre causas de óbito.

Abstract: Objective: To assess the quality of mortality information by analyzing the frequency of garbage codes (GC) registered as underlying cause-of-death in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Methods: Data of deaths of residents from 2011 to 2013 were selected. GC causes were classified as proposed by the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) 2015. They were grouped into GCs from ICD-10 Chapter XVIII and GCs excluding codes of Chapter XVIII. Proportions of GC were calculated by sex, age, and place of occurrence. Results: In Belo Horizonte, 30.5% of the total of 44,123 deaths were GC. Higher proportion of these codes was observed in children (1 to 4 years) and in people aged over 60 years. The following leading GCs observed were: other ill-defined and unspecified causes of death (code R99), unspecified pneumonia (J18.9), unspecified stroke (hemorrhagic or ischemic) (I64), and unspecified septicemia (A41.9). The proportions of GC were 28.7% and 36.9% in deaths that occurred in hospitals and at home, respectively. An important difference occurred in the GC group from Chapter XVIII of ICD-10: 1.7% occurred in hospitals and 16.9% at home. Conclusion: The high proportions of GC in mortality statistics in Belo Horizonte demonstrated its importance for assessing the quality of information on causes of death.

Acidentes de trânsito em Belo Horizonte: o que revelam três diferentes fontes de informações, 2008 a 2010 / Traffic accidents in Belo Horizonte: the view from three different sources, 2008 to 2010 / Traffic accidents in Belo Horizonte: the view from three different sources, 2008 to 2010

OBJETIVO: Analisar a contribuição de três diferentes fontes de informações na descrição de acidentes de trânsito em Belo Horizonte. MÉTODOS: Estudo exploratório dos Sistemas de Informação da Empresa de Transportes e Trânsito, de Internações Hospitalares e Mortalidade, com análise de proporções, coeficientes e medidas de associação. RESULTADOS: Preenchimento inadequado nas três fontes, destacando o uso de equipamentos de segurança e de álcool pelo condutor. Perfil de homens, jovens, ocupantes de motocicleta ou pedestres semelhante nos três sistemas. Além do alto coeficiente de mortalidade dos residentes em Belo Horizonte (19,4 por cem mil habitantes) no período, observou-se aumento dos acidentes e de vítimas não fatais com concomitante elevação na taxa de internação (34%) e custos hospitalares (53%) e maior envolvimento de motocicletas, proporcionalmente à frota. Os homens condutores apresentaram mais chance de serem feridos ou mortos. Passageiros ou pedestres apresentaram 1,8 vezes a chance de morrer, comparados aos condutores. Verificou-se aumento (12%) das mortes em via pública com 55% de positividade nos exames toxicológicos e 50% mais chance de acidentes fatais nos finais de semana. CONCLUSÃO: Apesar da incompletude dos registros, foi possível caracterizar como principais fatores associados aos acidentes os pedestres idosos, motociclistas, o uso de álcool e excesso de velocidade. O estudo demonstrou a complementaridade das três fontes de dados, com seus diferentes objetivos e permitiu revelar importantes aspectos da cadeia de eventos relacionados aos acidentes e vítimas de trânsito, desde sua ocorrência até a eventual evolução fatal, fornecendo informações relevantes da magnitude do problema para guiar estratégias de controle. .

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the contribution of three data sources in the description of traffic accidents in the city of Belo Horizonte, Brazil. METHODS: Exploratory study of databases: BHTRANS (metropolitan traffic and transportation authority), Hospital Admissions and Mortality Information Systems, with estimation of proportions, coefficients and odds ratios. RESULTS: Incomplete data was observed in the three sources, especially regarding alcohol consumption by drivers and use of safety equipment. The victim profile among the sources was consistent: young adults, males, motorcycle riders and pedestrians. In addition to the high mortality rate (19.4 per 100.000 inhabitants), an increase in the number of non-fatal accidents was observed. An increase of 34% in hospital admissions and of 53% in hospital costs was evidenced. The motorcycle accident rate is higher than expected given the fleet composition. Male drivers have the highest risk of injury or death; relative to drivers, passengers or pedestrians have a 1,8 times higher risk of death. There was a 12% increase in the number of deaths at the site of the accident, 55% of which showed positive evidence of alcohol use and 50% higher risk of fatal accidents on weekends. CONCLUSIONS: Despite some incomplete record keeping and non-specific death registry codes, it was possible to characterize the main factors associated with accidents: elderly pedestrians, motorcycle riders, alcohol consumption and speeding. The study demonstrated the complementarity of the three data sources, with their different goals, and revealed important features of the traffic accident event-chain and victim profile, providing key data for the development of mitigation strategies. .

Urban road traffic deaths: data linkage and identification of high-risk population sub-groups / Óbitos en el tráfico urbano: calificación de la información y caracterización de grupos vulnerables / Óbitos no trânsito urbano: qualificação da informação e caracterização de grupos vulneráveis

Abstract This study analyzes the profile of deaths from road traffic accidents in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, by linking two public databases, the Information System of the Urban Transportation and Transit Company (BH10) and the Mortality Information System (SIM). The linked database (n = 306) identified a 24% under-recording rate for deaths and differed in the age distribution from the BH10 database and in roadway user category when compared to the mortality database. The mortality rate for road traffic accidents within the city limits was 10.2 per 100,000 thousand, and was higher among men, young adults, and the elderly. Poisson multivariate regression showed a higher mean death rate for motorcycle occupants (rate ratio – RR: 1.81); pedestrians (RR: 1.32); males (RR: 1.24); single/divorced (RR: 1.27); young adults 18-29 years of age (RR: 1.75); elderly (RR: 1.59); and deaths at the crash site (RR: 1.39) when compared to the reference categories. The study unveils the city’s traffic violence, expressed by the large proportion of deaths at the crash site and within the first 24 hours, and confirms the relevance of database linkage for characterizing vulnerable groups and traffic accident mortality in the urban setting.

Resumen El estudio compara el perfil de óbitos por accidentes de tráfico en Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil, entre dos sistemas de información pública y los caracteriza a partir del cruce de las bases de datos de tráfico (BH10) y de mortalidad (SIM). El banco relacionado (n = 306) ha apuntado un subregistro del 24% de óbitos y ha diferido en cuanto a la distribución etaria con el BH10 y usuarios de vías respecto al SIM. La tasa de mortalidad en el perímetro urbano ha sido de 10,02/100 mil residentes, mayor entre hombres, jóvenes y ancianos. La regresión multivariante de Poisson mostró un mayor número promedio esperado de óbitos entre ocupantes de motocicletas (razón de momio– RM: 1,81); peatones (RM: 1,32); hombres (RM: 1,24); solteros/separados (RM: 1,27); jóvenes de 18-29 años (RM: 1,75) y ancianos (RM: 1,59) y en el sitio del accidente (RM: 1,39), cuando eran comparadas con las categorías de referencia. El estudio señala la importancia de la interrelación entre sistemas de información para caracterizar los óbitos por accidentes de tráfico en el área urbana, revelando así su magnitud y el escenario de violencia en el tráfico.

Resumo O estudo compara o perfil de óbitos por acidentes de trânsito em Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil, entre dois sistemas públicos de informação e os caracteriza valendo-se do cruzamento das bases de dados do trânsito (BH10) e de mortalidade (SIM). O banco relacionado (n = 306) apontou sub-registro de 24% dos óbitos e diferiu na distribuição etária com o BH10 e dos usuários da via com o SIM. A taxa de mortalidade no perímetro urbano de 10,2 por 100 mil residentes foi maior entre homens, jovens e idosos. A regressão multivariada de Poisson apontou maior número médio esperado de óbitos entre ocupantes de motocicleta (razão de médias – RM: 1,81); pedestres (RM: 1,32); homens (RM: 1,24); solteiros/separados (RM: 1,27); jovens de 18-29 anos (RM: 1,75); idosos (RM: 1,59); e no local do acidente (RM: 1,39), comparados às categorias de referência. O estudo descortina a violência no trânsito traduzida pela maior ocorrência dos óbitos na via e nas primeiras 24 horas, e confirma a relevância do relacionamento de sistemas de informação para caracterizar os grupos vulneráveis e os óbitos por acidentes de trânsito em ambiente urbano.

Inequities in intraurban areas in the distribution of risk factors for non communicable diseases, Belo Horizonte, 2010 / Desigualdades intraurbanas na distribuição dos fatores de risco para doenças crônicas não transmissíveis, Belo Horizonte, 2010

Objective: In order to identify intraurban differentials, the prevalence of major protection and risk factors for non communicable chronic diseases were analyzed in nine health districts of Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Methods: Analysis of data from a telephone survey conducted with 2,000 adults in Belo Horizonte, in 2010, using the average linkage method for cluster analysis among the health districts, using sociodemographic variables (education, race and marital status). The study compared the prevalence of risk factors for non communicable diseases among the health districts. Results: Four clusters were identified. The best socio-demographic indicators were found in cluster 4 (South Central health district), which also showed a higher prevalence of protective factors such as higher consumption of fruits and vegetables, higher frequency of physical activity practice in the free time, use of ultraviolet protection, higher proportion of ex-smokers, and lower prevalence of whole milk and high-fat meat consumption. As a risk factor, cluster 4 showed a higher proportion of alcohol abuse. Cluster 1, with the worst socio-demographic indicators, concentrated more risk factors such as consumption of whole milk, low regular consumption of fruit and vegetables, and lower practice of physical activity in the free time. The most frequent protective indicators in cluster 1 were the regular consumption of beans, having breakfast at home, and lower alcohol abuse. Conclusion: Intra-urban differences were found in the distribution of risk and protection factors or non transmissible diseases, these differences can support planning aimed at actions for greater equity in health. .

Objetivo: Visando identificar diferenciais intraurbanos, foram analisadas prevalências dos principais fatores de risco e proteção para doenças crônicas não transmissíveis nos nove distritos sanitários de Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais. Métodos: Análise dos dados de inquérito telefônico realizado com 2.000 adultos em Belo Horizonte em 2010, empregando-se average linkage para análise de clusters entre os distritos sanitários, com base em variáveis sociodemográficas (escolaridade, cor da pele e estado civil). O estudo comparou as prevalências dos fatores de risco para doenças crônicas não transmissíveis entre os distritos sanitários. Resultados: Foram identificados quatro clusters. O cluster 4 (distrito sanitário Centro Sul) apresentou as melhores condições sociodemográficas, além de maior prevalência de fatores de proteção, como maior consumo de frutas, legumes e verduras, maior frequência de atividade física no tempo livre, uso de proteção de raios ultravioleta, maior proporção de ex-fumantes e menor prevalência de consumo de leite com gordura integral e carne com gordura aparente. Como fator de risco, o cluster 4 apresentou maior proporção de consumo abusivo de álcool. O cluster 1, com piores indicadores sociodemográficos, concentrou mais fatores de risco, como maior consumo de leite com gordura, baixo consumo de frutas, legumes e verduras regular e menos atividade física no tempo livre. Os indicadores de proteção mais frequentes no cluster 1 foram: consumo regular de feijão, café da manhã em casa e menor consumo abusivo de álcool. Conclusão: Foram encontradas diferenças intraurbanas na distribuição dos fatores de risco e proteção para doenças crônicas ...

Acidentes de trânsito em Belo Horizonte / Acidentes de trânsito em Belo Horizonte

Os acidentes de trânsito (AT) constituem relevante problema de saúde pública global devido à elevada morbimortalidade, decorrente do número crescente de veículos, precariedade do espaço urbano, alterações de estilos de vida e vulnerabilidade de determinados grupos de usuários de via. O estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a contribuição de fontes distintas de informação na análise dos AT e suas vítimas, caracterizando o perfil e identificando grupos vulneráveis entre usuários das vias urbanas em Belo Horizonte, a partir da integração do sistema de informação do trânsito (BH10) e do sistema de informação sobre mortalidade (SIM/MS). No primeiro artigo, foram analisadas a completude e a contribuição de três diferentes fontes na descrição de acidentes de trânsito no município. Verificou-se preenchimento inadequado nas três fontes, com destaque para os itens uso de equipamentos de segurança e de álcool pelo condutor. Além do alto coeficiente de mortalidade dos residentes em Belo Horizonte (19,4 por cem mil habitantes) no período, observou-se aumento dos acidentes e de vítimas não fatais, com concomitante elevação na taxa de internação e custos hospitalares, além de maior envolvimento de motocicletas, proporcionalmente à frota. Condutores homens apresentaram mais chance de ser feridos (OR: 1,66 IC95%:1,59-1,73) ou mortos (OR:3,25 IC95%:1,87-5,67); passageiros ou pedestres apresentaram maior chance (OR: 1,81, IC95%:1,58-2,08) de morrer, comparados aos condutores, sendo os idosos os mais vulneráveis. Verificou-se aumento das mortes em via pública com 55% de positividade nos exames toxicológicos e 50% mais chance de acidentes fatais nos finais de semana. Apesar da incompletude e códigos inespecíficos dos registros, dificultando a enumeração das vítimas, foi possível caracterizar como principais fatores associados aos acidentes os pedestres idosos, motociclistas, o uso de álcool e excesso de velocidade. O estudo demonstrou a complementaridade das três fontes de dados, com seus diferentes objetivos e permitiu trazer à tona importantes aspectos da cadeia de eventos relacionados aos acidentes de trânsito, desde sua ocorrência até a eventual evolução fatal, fornecendo informações relevantes da magnitude do problema para guiar estratégias de controle..No segundo estudo comparou-se o perfil de óbitos por AT, registrados nos sistemas de informação sobre Mortalidade (SIM) e do Transito (BH10) com os dados integrados pelo cruzamento das duas bases.(BH-SIM) A caracterização das vítimas fatais foi feita pela análise do banco relacionado. As distribuições de frequência dos bancos originais foram comparadas com a distribuição de frequência do banco relacionado pelo cálculo do qui-quadrado. Foram estimadas taxas de mortalidade para os residentes em Belo Horizonte e realizada regressão multivariada de Poisson para os óbitos ocorridos na cidade. O banco relacionado (n=306) apontou sub-registro de 24% dos óbitos e diferiu estatisticamente na distribuição etária com o BH10 e na caracterização dos usuários da via com o SIM. A taxa de mortalidade dos residentes no perímetro urbano foi de 10,02 por cem mil habitantes, sendo mais elevada entre homens, jovens e idosos. Observou-se maior número médio esperado de óbitos entre ocupantes de motocicleta (Razão de médias-RM:1,81); pedestres (RM:1,32); homens (RM: 1,24); solteiros/separados (RM; 1,27); jovens de 18-29 anos (RM:1,75) e idosos (RM:1,59) e no local do acidente (RM:1,39) quando comparados às respectivas categorias de referência, mantendo-se as demais variáveis constantes. O estudo descortina a violência no trânsito traduzida pela maior ocorrência dos óbitos na via e nas primeiras 24 horas e confirma a relevância do relacionamento de sistemas de informação para caracterizar os grupos vulneráveis e os óbitos por acidentes de trânsito em ambiente urbano. O planejamento do trânsito e da saúde devem se organizar para responder às demandas contemporâneas da população na área de mobilidade e transporte, assegurando a qualidade de vida e a proteção, em especial de pedestres, usuários de transporte não motorizados e motociclistas. Um trânsito sem violência é a expressão de cidadania, traduzida pela responsabilidade social de cada um dos envolvidos - usuários, indústrias automobilísticas, empresas de transporte, em especial as organizadoras do transporte urbano e o poder público, na construção de ambientes seguros. A sociedade civil fortalecida deve atuar convencida que acidentes de trânsito não são mera fatalidade e que intervenções efetivas devem ser implementadas para coibir a vitimização de cidadãos no exercício do direito elementar de ir e vir.

Traffic accidents (TA) are important global public health problem due to the high morbidity and mortality, due to increasing number of vehicles, precariousness of urban space, changes in lifestyles and vulnerability of certain groups of users via. The study analyze the contribution of different sources of information in the description of traffic accidents and its victims, and identifies at-risk population sub-groups among users of urban roads in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, based on the merging of traffic information system (BH10) and Mortality Information System (SIM).In the first article, the completeness and the contribution from three different sources in describing traffic accidents in the city were analyzed. Incomplete data in the three sources was observed, especially the alcohol consumption by drivers and safety equipment use. In addition to the high mortality rate (19.4 per 100.000 inhabitants), an increase in the number of non-fatal accidents was observed. It was reflected in 22% more hospital admissions and 53% increase in hospital costs. The motorcycle accident rate is higher than expected given the fleet composition. Male drivers have the highest risk of injury (OR: 1,66 IC95%:1,59-1,73) or death (OR:3,25 IC95%:1,87-5,67); relative to drivers, passengers or pedestrians have a higher risk of death (OR: 1,81, IC95%: 1,58-2,08), the elderly being the most vulnerable. There was 12% increase in the number of deaths at the site of the accident, 55% of which showed positive evidence of alcohol use and 50% higher risk of fatal accidents on weekends. Despite some incomplete record keeping and non-specific death registry codes, it was possible to characterize the main factors associated with accidents: elderly pedestrian, motorcycle rider, alcohol consumption and speeding. The analysis of the three sources showed their complementarity and revealed important features of the traffic accident event-chain and victim profile, providing key data for the development of mitigation strategies. The second study compares the profile of deaths by traffic accident in Belo Horizonte, between two public databases, Traffic Information System (BH10) and the Mortality Information System (SIM) with integrated database based on the merging of these sources (BH-SIM). Characterization of fatalities was by an analysis of the merged dataset. The frequency distributions of the original pews were compared with the frequency distribution of the merged database by the chi-square test. Mortality rates were estimated for residents in Belo Horizonte and performed multivariate Poisson regression for deaths occurring in the city. The merged dataset (n=306) has an under-reporting rate of 24%. It is statistically different from the BH10 with respect to age distribution and from the SIM with respect to road-user type. The mortality rate of urban area residents was 10.02 per 100,000 inhabitants, being highest among men, elderly and young individuals. Relative to the reference group, multivariate Poisson regression showed increased expected mean deaths among motorcycle riders (Ratio Rate RR:1.81), pedestrians (RR:1.32) men (RR:1.24), never married/separated (RR:1.27), young people aged between 18 and 29 years (RR:1.75), the elderly (RR:1.59) and death at accident site (RR:1.39). The study also provides a window into the toll of traffic accidents, as evidenced by the fact that most deaths take place either at the location of the accident or within 24 hours. It also confirms the importance of merging data from multiple databases in describing the characteristics of deaths by traffic accidents and in identifying at-risk population sub-groups in urban environment. The planning of transit and health should be organized to meet the contemporary demands of the population in the area of mobility and transportation, ensuring the quality of life and protection, especially for pedestrians, non-motorized transport users and motorcyclists. A transit without violence is an expression of citizenship, translated by the social responsibility of everyone involved - users, automobile industries, transportation companies, especially the organizers of urban transport and the public sector in building safe environments. Strengthened civil society must act convinced that traffic accidents are not merely inevitable and that effective interventions should be implemented to curb the victimization of citizens exercising the basic right to come and go.