Trachoma-associated morbidity and mortality in Brazil: an ecological study focusing on hospitalization and mortality data, 2000-2022.

BACKGROUND: Trachoma is the leading infectious cause of blindness worldwide. It is a neglected tropical disease caused by Chlamydia trachomatis. The objective of this study was to analyze the trachoma-associated morbidity and mortality in Brazil from 2000 to 2022. This ecological time-series study was based on secondary data on trachoma obtained from hospital admissions (trachoma as the primary or secondary cause) and death certificates (trachoma as the underlying or associated cause). METHODS: We calculated the sex- and age-standardized rates of hospital admissions and trachoma-specific mortality according to sociodemographic variables and analyzed the spatial distribution. RESULTS: We identified 141/263,292,807 hospital admissions (primary cause: 83.0%) and 126/27,596,830 death certificates (associated cause: 91.3%) related to trachoma. Trachoma-related sequelae were reported in 8.5% of hospital admissions and 6.3% of death certificates. Trachoma was more common in males (hospital admissions and death certificates), people aged ≥70 years (hospital admissions and death certificates), those with brown skin (hospital admissions and death certificates), and those living in the North (hospital admissions) and Northeast (death certificates) regions of Brazil. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the relatively low rates of trachoma morbidity in Brazil, the associated mortality rates are of concern. The heterogeneous patterns of occurrence in the country in terms of population and territory reinforce the need to evaluate and monitor the available data, despite the low prevalence, in order to achieve and maintain the elimination targets in Brazil in the future.

Accuracy, potential, and limitations of probabilistic record linkage in identifying deaths by gender identity and sexual orientation in the state of Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Globally, the counting of deaths based on gender identity and sexual orientation has been a challenge for health systems. In most cases, non-governmental organizations have dedicated themselves to this work. Despite these efforts in generating information, the scarcity of official data presents significant limitations in policy formulation and actions guided by population needs. Therefore, this manuscript aims to evaluate the accuracy, potential, and limits of probabilistic data relationships to yield information on deaths according to gender identity and sexual orientation in the State of Rio de Janeiro. METHODS: This study evaluated the accuracy of the probabilistic record linkage to obtain information on deaths according to gender and sexual orientation. Data from two information systems were used from June 15, 2015 to December 31, 2020. We constructed nine probabilistic data relationship strategies and identified the performance and cutoff points of the best strategy. RESULTS: The best data blocking strategy was established through logical blocks with the first and last names, birthdate, and mother's name in the pairing strategy. With a population base of 80,178 records, 1556 deaths were retrieved. With an area under the curve of 0.979, this strategy presented 93.26% accuracy, 98.46% sensitivity, and 90.04% specificity for the cutoff point ≥ 17.9 of the data relationship score. The adoption of the cutoff point optimized the manual review phase, identifying 2259 (90.04%) of the 2509 false pairs and identifying 1532 (98.46%) of the 1556 true pairs. CONCLUSION: With the identification of possible strategies for determining probabilistic data relationships, the retrieval of information on mortality according to sexual and gender markers has become feasible. Based on information from the daily routine of health services, the formulation of public policies that consider the LGBTQ + population more closely reflects the reality experienced by these population groups.

Multiple Causes of Death Associated with Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Arrest from 1996 to 2019 in Brazil. / Causas Múltiplas de Morte Associadas à Parada Cardiorrespiratória Pediátrica de 1996 a 2019 no Brasil.

BACKGROUND: In pediatrics, cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA) is associated with high mortality and severe neurologic sequelae. Information on the causes and mechanisms of death below the age of 20 years could provide theoretical support for health improvement among children and adolescents. OBJECTIVES: To conduct a population analysis of mortality rates due to primary and multiple causes of death below the age of 20 years in both sexes from 1996 to 2019 in Brazil, and identify the frequency in which CPA was recorded in the death certificates (DCs) of these individuals and the locations where the deaths occurred, in order to promote strategies to improve the prevention of deaths. METHOD: Ecological time-series study of deaths below the age of 20 years from 1996 to 2019, evaluating the mortality rates (MRs) and proportional mortality (PM) by primary cause of death. We analyzed the percentages of CPA recorded in any line of the DC and the location where the deaths occurred. We calculated the MRs per 100,000 inhabitants and the PM by primary cause of death under the age of 20 years according to sex and age group, the percentages of death from primary causes by age group when CPA was described in any line of Parts I and II of the DC, and the percentage of deaths from primary causes according to their location of occurrence. We retrieved the data from DATASUS, IBGE, and SINASC. RESULTS: From 1996 to 2019, there were 2,151,716 deaths below the age of 20 years in Brazil, yielding a mortality rate of 134.38 per 100,000 inhabitants. The death rate was highest among male neonates. Of all deaths, 249,334 (11.6%) had CPA recorded in any line of the DC. Specifically, CPA was recorded in 49,178 DCs between the ages of 1 and 4 years and in 88,116 of those between the ages of 29 and 365 days, corresponding, respectively, to 26% and 22% of the deaths in these age groups. These two age groups had the highest rates of CPA recorded in any line of the DC. The main primary causes of death when CPA was recorded in the sequence of death were respiratory, hematologic, and neoplastic diseases. CONCLUSION: Perinatal and external causes were the primary causes of death, with highest MRs under the age of 20 years in Brazil from 1996 to 2019. When multiple causes of death were considered, the main primary causes associated with CPA were respiratory, hematologic, and neoplastic diseases. Most deaths occurred in the hospital environment. Better understanding of the sequence of events in these deaths and improvements in teaching strategies in pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation are needed.

FUNDAMENTO: Em pediatria, a parada cardiorrespiratória (PCR) está associada a alta mortalidade e graves sequelas neurológicas. Informações sobre as causas e mecanismos de morte abaixo de 20 anos poderiam fornecer subsídios teóricos para a melhoria da saúde de crianças e adolescentes. OBJETIVOS: Realizar uma análise populacional das taxas de mortalidade por causas primárias e múltiplas de morte abaixo de 20 anos, em ambos os sexos, no período de 1996 a 2019, no Brasil, e identificar a frequência com que a PCR foi registrada nas declarações de óbito (DOs) desses indivíduos e os locais de ocorrência dos óbitos, a fim de promover estratégias para melhorar a prevenção de mortes. MÉTODO: Estudo ecológico de séries temporais de óbitos em indivíduos menores de 20 anos, no período de 1996 a 2019, avaliando as taxas de mortalidade (TMs) e a mortalidade proporcional (MP) por causa básica de morte. Foram analisados os percentuais de PCR registrados em qualquer linha da DO e o local de ocorrência dos óbitos. Foram calculadas as TMs por 100 mil habitantes e a MP por causa básica de morte nos menores de 20 anos segundo sexo e faixa etária, os percentuais de óbito por causas básicas por faixa etária quando a PCR foi descrita em qualquer linha das Partes I e II da DO, e o percentual de óbitos por causas básicas segundo o local de ocorrência. Os dados foram retirados do DATASUS, IBGE e SINASC. RESULTADOS: De 1996 a 2019, ocorreram 2.151.716 óbitos de menores de 20 anos, no Brasil, gerando uma taxa de mortalidade de 134,38 por 100 mil habitantes. A taxa de óbito foi maior entre os recém-nascidos do sexo masculino. Do total de óbitos, 249.334 (11,6%) tiveram PCR registrada em qualquer linha da DO. Especificamente, a PCR foi registrada 49.178 vezes na DO na faixa etária entre 1 e 4 anos e em 88.116 vezes entre 29 e 365 dias, correspondendo, respectivamente, a 26% e 22% dos óbitos nessas faixas etárias. Essas duas faixas etárias apresentaram as maiores taxas de PCR registradas em qualquer linha da DO. As principais causas básicas de óbito quando a PCR foi registrada na sequência de óbitos foram doenças respiratórias, hematológicas e neoplásicas. CONCLUSÃO: As causas perinatais e externas foram as principais causas de morte, com maior TM nos menores de 20 anos no Brasil de 1996 a 2019. Quando consideradas as causas múltiplas de morte, as principais causas primárias associadas à PCR foram as doenças respiratórias, hematológicas e neoplásicas. A maioria dos óbitos ocorreu no ambiente hospitalar. Melhor compreensão da sequência de eventos nesses óbitos e melhorias nas estratégias de ensino em ressuscitação cardiopulmonar pediátrica são necessárias.

Maternal mortality: protocol of a study integrated to the Birth in Brazil II survey. / Mortalidade materna: protocolo de um estudo integrado à pesquisa Nascer no Brasil II.

The Maternal Mortality Study conducts a hospital investigation of maternal deaths that occurred in 2020/2021 in the maternity hospitals sampled by the Birth in Brazil II survey, with the following objectives: estimate the maternal mortality underreporting; calculate a correction factor and the corrected (MMR); validate the causes of maternal mortality reported in the death certificate (DC); and analyze the factors associated with maternal mortality. The Birth in Brazil II includes approximately 24,250 puerperal women distributed in 465 public, private, and mixed hospitals with ≥ 100 live births/year in the five macroregions of Brazil. The Maternal Mortality Study data will be completed using the same Birth in Brazil II questionnaire, from the consultation of hospital records. Trained obstetricians will fill out a new DC (redone DC) from independent analysis of this questionnaire, comparing it to official data. The database of the investigated deaths will be related to the deaths listed in the Mortality Information System of the Brazilian Ministry of Health, allowing the estimation of underreporting and calculation of the corrected MMR. To calculate the reliability of the causes of death, the kappa test and prevalence-adjusted kappa with 95% confidence interval will be used. A case-control study to estimate the risk factors for maternal mortality will be developed with the investigated deaths (cases) and the controls obtained in the Birth in Brazil II survey, using conditional multiple logistic regression models. We expect this research to contribute to the correction of the underreporting of maternal mortality and to a better understanding of the determinants of the persistence of a high MMR in Brazil.

O Estudo da Mortalidade Materna conduz uma investigação hospitalar dos óbitos maternos ocorridos em 2020/2021 nas maternidades amostradas na pesquisa Nascer no Brasil II, com os seguintes objetivos: estimar o sub-registro da mortalidade materna e calcular um fator de correção e a razão de mortalidade materna (RMM) corrigida; validar as causas de mortalidade materna informadas na declaração de óbito (DO); e analisar os fatores associados à mortalidade materna. O Nascer no Brasil II inclui aproximadamente 24.255 puérperas distribuídas em 465 hospitais públicos, privados e mistos com ≥ 100 partos de nascidos vivos/ano nas cinco macrorregiões do país. Os dados do Estudo da Mortalidade Materna serão preenchidos utilizando o mesmo questionário do Nascer no Brasil II, a partir da consulta aos prontuários hospitalares. Obstetras treinados preencherão uma nova DO (DO refeita) a partir de análise independente desse questionário, comparando aos dados oficiais. A base de dados dos óbitos investigados será relacionada com os óbitos constantes no Sistema de Informações sobre Mortalidade do Ministério da Saúde, permitindo a estimativa do sub-registro e cálculo da RMM corrigida. Para o cálculo da confiabilidade das causas de morte, serão utilizados os testes kappa e kappa ajustado à prevalência com intervalo de 95% de confiança. Um estudo de caso-controle para estimar os fatores de risco para mortalidade materna será desenvolvido com os óbitos investigados (casos) e os controles obtidos na pesquisa Nascer no Brasil II, utilizando-se modelos de regressão logística múltipla condicional. Espera-se contribuir para a correção do sub-registro da mortalidade materna e para a melhor compreensão dos fatores determinantes da persistência de RMM elevada no Brasil.

El Estudio de Mortalidad Materna evalúa las muertes maternas ocurridas en 2020-2021 en las muestras de maternidades del encuesta Nacer en Brasil II con los objetivos de estimar el subregistro de mortalidad materna y calcular el factor de corrección y la tasa de mortalidad materna corregida (TMM); validar las causas de mortalidad materna reportadas en el certificado de defunción (CD); y analizar los factores asociados a la mortalidad materna. La Nacer en Brasil II incluye aproximadamente 24.250 mujeres puerperales, distribuidas en 465 hospitales públicos, privados y mixtos con ≥ 100 nacidos vivos/año en las cinco macrorregiones de Brasil. Los datos de Estudio de Mortalidad Materna se completarán con la información del cuestionario Nacer en Brasil II a partir de una búsqueda de los registros médicos hospitalarios. Los obstetras capacitados completarán un nuevo CD (CD rehecho) desde un análisis independiente de este cuestionario, comparándolo con los datos oficiales. La base de datos de muertes investigadas se relacionará con las muertes que constan en el Sistema de Informaciones sobre la Mortalidad del Ministerio de Salud para permitir la estimación del subregistro y el cálculo de la TMM corregida. Para calcular la exactitud de las causas de muerte, se utilizarán las pruebas kappa y kappa ajustada a la prevalencia con un intervalo de 95% de confianza. Un estudio de casos y controles se aplicará para estimar los factores de riesgo de las mortalidad materna con las muertes investigadas (casos) y los controles obtenidos en el estudio Nacer en Brasil II utilizando modelos de regresión logística múltiple condicional. Se espera que este estudio pueda contribuir a la corrección del subregistro de la mortalidad materna y a una mejor comprensión de los determinantes de la persistencia de alta TMM en Brasil.

Directiva administrativa que establece el procedimiento para la certificación de las defunciones y el registro en el Sistema de Información de Defunciones (SINADEF). Directiva administrativa N° 353-MINSA/OGTI-2024 / Administrative directive that establishes the procedure for the certification of deaths and registration in the Death Information System (SINADEF). Administrative Directive No. 353-MINSA/OGTI-2024

El documento contiene el procedimiento para la certificación de las defunciones que ocurran a nivel nacional y el correspondiente registro en el Sistema de Información de Defunciones (SINADEF)

Desigualdades regionais na enumeração dos registros de óbitos fetais nos sistemas de informações sobre estatísticas vitais no Brasil / Regional inequalities in the enumeration of stillbirth records in information systems on vital statistics in Brazil / Desigualdades regionales en la enumeración de los registros de muertes fetales en los sistemas de información sobre estadísticas vitales en Brasil

Resumo Este estudo tem por objetivo analisar a variação do número de óbitos fetais informados entre o Sistema de Estatísticas Vitais do Registro Civil (RC) e o Sistema de Informações sobre Mortalidade (SIM) e comparar a tendência da taxa de mortalidade fetal (TMF) de ambos os sistemas no Brasil, para o período 2009-2019. A variação percentual (VP) foi analisada por meio da comparação entre as fontes de dados para os óbitos fetais precoces (<28 semanas) e tardios (≥28 semanas). Os clusters de unidades da federação foram obtidos pelo método k-means. Aplicou-se a regressão linear generalizada de Prais-Winsten na análise da tendência da TMF. O SIM demonstrou percentual de captação 27,7% superior ao RC no período estudado. Houve maior número de óbitos fetais informados no SIM para o Brasil e regiões, em ambos os estratos de óbitos. As regiões Norte e Nordeste apresentaram as maiores VP em oposição às regiões mais desenvolvidas do país, Sudeste e Sul, onde verificou-se uma convergência de 95%. Apesar da redução da VP na década analisada, as estimativas de tendência da TMF permaneceram subestimadas no RC. Conclui-se que a captação dos óbitos fetais foi maior no SIM, sobretudo nas regiões Norte e Nordeste, reconhecidas como as mais vulneráveis do país.

Abstract This study aimed to analyze the variation in the number of stillbirths reported between the vital statistics system of the Civil Registry (RC) and the Mortality Information System (SIM) as well as to compare the trend in stillbirth rates (SBR) in both systems in Brazil between 2009 and 2019. Percent change (PC) was analyzed by comparing data sources for early (<28 weeks) and late (≥28 weeks) stillbirths. Clusters of Federation Units were obtained using the k-means method. Prais-Winsten generalized linear regression was applied in the analysis of the SBR trend. The SIM showed a percentage of uptake 27.7% higher than RC in the period. A higher number of fetal deaths were reported on the SIM for Brazil and its regions, in both death strata. The North and Northeast regions presented the highest PC, as opposed to the most developed regions of the country, Southeast and South, where there was a convergence of 95%. Despite the reduction in PC in the decade analyzed, the SBR trend estimates remained underestimated in the RC. The conclusion, that the capture of fetal deaths was higher in the SIM, demonstrates the need for improvements in civilian registration of stillbirths, especially in the North and Northeast regions, recognized as the most vulnerable in the country.

Resumen Este estudio tuvo como objetivo analizar la variación en el número de muertes fetales notificadas entre el sistema de estadísticas vitales del Registro Civil (RC) y el Sistema de Información de Mortalidad (SIM) y comparar la tendencia de la Tasa de Mortalidad Fetal (TMF) de ambos sistemas en Brasil entre 2009 y 2019. El cambio porcentual (CP) se analizó comparando fuentes de datos para muertes fetales tempranas (< 28 semanas) y tardías (≥ 28 semanas). Los conglomerados de unidades de la federación se obtuvieron mediante el método de k-means. Se aplicó la regresión lineal generalizada Prais-Winsten en el análisis de la tendencia TMF. El SIM mostró un porcentaje de captación 27,7 % superior al del RC en el período. Hubo mayor número de muertes fetales reportadas en el SIM para Brasil y regiones, en ambos estratos de muerte. Las regiones Norte y Noreste tuvieron el CP más alto en comparación con las regiones más desarrolladas del país, Sudeste y Sur, donde hubo convergencia del 95 %. A pesar de la reducción del CP en la década analizada, las estimaciones de tendencia de la TMF permanecieron subestimadas en el RC. Se concluye que la captura de las defunciones fetales fue mayor en el SIM, demostrando la necesidad de mejoras en el registro civil de las defunciones fetales, especialmente en las regiones Norte y Nordeste, reconocidas como las más vulnerables del país.

Factors associated with the quality of death certification in Brazilian municipalities: A data-driven non-linear model.

Studies evaluating the local quality of death certification in Brazil focused on completeness of death reporting or inappropriate coding of causes of death, with few investigating missing data. We aimed to use missing and unexpected values in core topics to assess the quality of death certification in Brazilian municipalities, to evaluate its correlation with the percentage of garbage codes, and to employ a data-driven approach with non-linear models to investigate the association of the socioeconomic and health infrastructure context with quality of death statistics among municipalities. This retrospective study used data from the Mortality Information System (2010-2017), and municipal data regarding healthcare infrastructure, socioeconomic characteristics, and death rates. Quality of death certification was assessed by missing or unexpected values in the following core topics: dates of occurrence, registration, and birth, place of occurrence, certifier, sex, and marital status. Models were fit to classify municipalities according to the quality of death certification (poor quality defined as death records with missing or unexpected values in core topics ≥ 80%). Municipalities with poor quality of death certification (43.9%) presented larger populations, lower death rates, lower socioeconomic index, healthcare infrastructure with fewer beds and physicians, and higher proportion of public healthcare facilities. The correlation coefficients between quality of death certification assessed by missing or unexpected values and the proportion of garbage codes were weak (0.11-0.49), but stronger for municipalities with lower socioeconomic scores. The model that best fitted the data was the random forest classifier (ROC AUC = 0.76; precision-recall AUC = 0.78). This innovative way of assessing the quality of death certification could help quality improvement initiatives to include the correctness of essential fields, in addition to garbage coding or completeness of records, especially in municipalities with lower socioeconomic status where garbage coding and the correctness of core topics appear to be related issues.

Análise de casos e óbitos relacionados à esquistossomose no Brasil: padrões epidemiológicos e distribuição espaçotemporal, 2010-2022 / Analysis of schistosomiasis cases and deaths in Brazil: epidemiologic patterns and spatio-temporal distribution, 2010-2022 / Análisis de los casos y muertes relacionados con la esquistosomiasis en Brasil: patrones epidemiológión espaciotemporal, 2010-2022cos y distribuci

A esquistossomose é uma infecção parasitária causada por um grupo de vermes chatos chamados Schistosoma. A doença encontra-se, sobretudo, nos países em desenvolvimento, especialmente nas zonas rurais com más condições de saneamento e acesso limitado à água potável. A esquistossomose é transmitida através do contato com água doce contaminada, como de rios, lagos e lagoas em que vivem as larvas dos parasitas. O objetivo deste artigo foi analisar as variáveis epidemiológicas dos casos (2010-2022) e dos óbitos (2010-2020) por esquistossomose no Brasil. Trata-se de um estudo epidemiológico transversal, descritivo e quantitativo. A estratégia metodológica envolveu análise dos boletins epidemiológicos disponibilizados pelo Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (Sinan) e pelo Sistema de Informação sobre Mortalidade (SIM) no período de 2010 a 2022. Foram notificados 93.521 casos de esquistossomose e 5.495 óbitos devido a complicações dessa infecção. A forma intestinal foi a mais identificada. Minas Gerais, São Paulo, Bahia e Espírito Santo foram os estados com maior prevalência da doença. Constatou-se que homens pardos com idade entre 20 e 39 anos e com baixo nível de escolaridade são os mais afetados. Identificaram-se 732 casos da infecção em gestantes. Ademais, 62,56% dos casos evoluíram para cura e 5,88% para óbito pelo agravo notificado. Em conclusão, é crucial adotar medidas de prevenção e acesso à educação para combater efetivamente a esquistossomose.

Schistosomiasis is a parasitic infection caused by a group of flatworms called Schistosoma. The disease is primarily found in developing countries, especially in rural areas with poor sanitation and limited access to clean water. Schistosomiasis is transmitted by contact with contaminated freshwater, such as rivers, lakes, and ponds, where the parasites' larvae live. The aim of this article was to analyze the epidemiological variables of schistosomiasis cases (2010-2022) and deaths (2010-2020) in Brazil. This is a cross-sectional, descriptive, and quantitative epidemiologic study. The methodological strategy involved the analysis of epidemiological bulletins provided by the Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN) and the Sistema de Informação sobre Mortalidade (SIM) from 2010 to 2022. There were 93.521 reported cases of schistosomiasis and 5.495 deaths due to complications of this infection. The intestinal form was the most identified. Minas Gerais, São Paulo, Bahia, and Espírito Santo were the states with the highest prevalence of the disease. Males, of mixed race, aged between 20 and 39 years, and with a low level of education were the most affected. There were 732 cases of infection in pregnant women. Furthermore, 62.56% of the cases evolved to cure and 5.88% evolved to death by the notified disease. In conclusion, it is crucial to adopt prevention measures and access to education to effectively combat schistosomiasis.

La esquistosomiasis es una enfermedad parasitaria causada por un grupo de platelmintos conocidos como Schistosoma. La enfermedad es más frecuente sobre todo en países en desarrollo, especialmente en zonas rurales con saneamiento deficiente y acceso limitado al agua potable. La transmisión de la esquistosomiasis se da por el contacto con agua dulce contaminada, como ríos, lagos y lagunas donde viven las larvas de los parásitos. El objetivo de este artículo fue analizar las variables epidemiológicas de los casos (2010-2022) y muertes (2010-2020) por esquistosomiasis en Brasil. Se trata de un estudio epidemiológico transversal, descriptivo y cuantitativo. La estrategia metodológica contó con el análisis de los informes epidemiológicos que pone a disposición el Sistema de Información de Enfermedades de Declaración Obligatoria (Sinan) y el Sistema de Información sobre Mortalidad (SIM) en el período de 2010 a 2022. Se notificaron 93.521 casos de esquistosomiasis y 5.495 muertes por complicaciones de esta infección. La forma intestinal fue la más identificada. Minas Gerais, São Paulo, Bahia y Espírito Santo fueron los estados con mayor prevalencia de la enfermedad. Se constató que hombres pardos, de edad entre 20 y 39 años, y bajo nivel de escolaridad son los más afectados. Se identificaron 732 casos de infección en mujeres embarazadas. El 62,56% de los casos evolucionaron a cura; y el 5,88% tuvieron muerte confirmada por el agravio notificado. Se concluye con la necesidad de adoptar medidas de prevención y acceso a la educación para combatir eficazmente la esquistosomiasis.

Improving the quality of external cause of death data in Brazil: evaluation and validation of a new form to investigate garbage codes.

Garbage codes, such as external causes with no specific information, indicate poor quality cause of death data. Investigation of garbage codes via an effective instrument is necessary to convert them into useful data for public health. This study analyzed the performance and suitability of the new investigation of deaths from external causes (IDEC) form to improve the quality of external cause of death data in Brazil. The performance of the IDEC form on 133 external garbage codes deaths was compared with a stratified matched sample of 992 (16%) investigated deaths that used the standard garbage codes form. Consistency between these two groups was checked. The percentage of garbage codes from external causes reclassified into valid causes with a 95% confidence interval (95%CI) was analyzed. Reclassification for specific causes has been described. Qualitative data on the feasibility of the form were recorded by field investigators. Investigation using the new form reduced all external garbage codes by -92.5% (95%CI: -97.0; -88.0), whereas the existing form decreased garbage codes by -60.5% (95%CI: -63.5; -57.4). The IDEC form presented higher effectivity for external-cause garbage codes of determined intent. Deaths that remained garbage codes mainly lacked information about the circumstances of poisoning and/or vehicle accidents. Despite the fact that field investigators considered the IDEC form feasible, they suggested modifications for further improvement. The new form was more effective than the current standard form in improving the quality of defined external causes.

[Methodological proposal for evaluation of death records from COVID-19]. / Proposta metodológica para avaliação de registros de óbitos por COVID-19.

The limitation of studies on the coverage and completeness of death records is one of the main problems regarding vital statistics in Brazil. In 2020, the number of information systems on death records in Brazil increased due to the COVID-19 pandemic, generating more uncertainties about the quality of death records. This study proposed an evaluation of the quality of death records due to COVID-19. Three methodological stages were considered: estimation of deaths under-registration; redistribution of deaths from nonspecific causes (Garbage Codes), and redistribution of deaths from ill-defined causes to COVID-19 data. The proposal was applied in the State of Paraíba, Brazil, and its municipalities in 2020, by using the official records of the Brazilian Mortality Information System of the Brazilian Ministry of Health. In total, 1,281 deaths were retrieved, besides the 3,426 deaths officially recorded for Paraíba State, an increase of 37.4% in deaths from COVID-19. The proposal was effective, easy to apply, and can be used by managers of governmental spheres and people interested in it as a tool to assess the quality of death records for any geographic space, thus, contributing to a better understanding of the real effect of the pandemic.

A limitação de estudos sobre a cobertura e completude dos registros de óbitos está entre os principais problemas relacionados às estatísticas vitais no Brasil. Com o advento da pandemia de COVID-19, em 2020, houve um aumento na quantidade de sistemas de informação sobre os registros de óbitos no Brasil, gerando mais incertezas quanto à qualidade dos registros de óbitos. Este estudo propôs uma metodologia de avaliação da qualidade dos registros de óbitos por COVID-19. Foram consideradas três etapas metodológicas: estimação do sub-registro de óbitos; redistribuição de óbitos por causas inespecíficas (Códigos Garbage) e redistribuição de óbitos por causas mal definidas para dados da COVID-19. A proposta foi aplicada para o Estado da Paraíba, Brasil, e seus municípios para 2020, com o uso dos registros oficiais do Sistema de Informação sobre Mortalidade do Ministério da Saúde. No total, foram recuperados 1.281 óbitos por COVID-19 além dos 3.426 registrados oficialmente para a Paraíba, um incremento de 37,4%. A proposta mostrou-se efetiva e de fácil aplicação, podendo ser utilizada pelos gestores das esferas governamentais e interessados como ferramenta de avaliação da qualidade dos registros de óbitos para qualquer espaço geográfico, contribuindo, assim, para uma melhor compreensão do real impacto da pandemia.

La limitación de los estudios sobre la cobertura y la integralidad de los registros de defunción es uno de los principales problemas relacionados con las estadísticas vitales en Brasil. Con la llegada de la pandemia de COVID-19 en 2020 hubo un aumento en la cantidad de sistemas de información sobre registros de defunción en Brasil, generando más incertidumbres sobre la calidad de los registros de defunción. Este estudio propone una metodología para evaluar la calidad de los registros de defunción por COVID-19. Se consideraron tres pasos metodológicos: estimación del subregistro de defunciones; redistribución de las defunciones por causas no específicas (Garbage Codes) y redistribución de las defunciones por causas mal definidas para los datos del COVID-19. La propuesta fue aplicada al Estado de Paraíba, Brasil y sus municipios para el año 2020 utilizando los registros oficiales del Sistema de Información de Mortalidad del Ministerio de Salud. En total, se identificaron 1.281 muertes, además de las 3.426 registradas oficialmente en Paraíba, lo que representa un aumento del 37,4% en las muertes por COVID-19. La propuesta demostró ser eficaz y fácil de aplicar, y puede ser utilizada por los gestores gubernamentales y las partes interesadas como herramienta para evaluar la calidad de los registros de defunción de cualquier zona geográfica, contribuyendo así a una mejor comprensión del impacto real de la pandemia.

Avaliação da incompletude dos registros de óbitos por causas externas do Sistema de Informações sobre Mortalidade no Rio Grande do Sul, 2000-2019 / Assessment of incompleteness of Mortality Information System records on deaths from external causes in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, 2000-2019 / Evaluación de la incompletitud de los registros de defunción por causas externas del Sistema de Información de Mortalidad en Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, 2000-2019

Objetivo: avaliar a incompletude dos dados do Sistema de Informações sobre Mortalidade (SIM) para óbitos por causas externas (CEs) no Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, 2000-2019. Métodos: estudo ecológico, com dados do SIM para a totalidade das CEs e, especificamente, por acidentes de transporte, homicídios, suicídios e quedas; analisou-se a tendência da incompletude via regressão de Prais-Winsten, com nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: 146.882 óbitos foram avaliados; sexo (0,1%), local de ocorrência do óbito (0,1%) e idade (0,4%) mostraram as menores incompletudes, em 2019; a proporção de incompletude apresentou tendência decrescente para local de ocorrência do óbito e escolaridade, crescente para estado civil e estável para idade e raça/cor da pele, entre todos os tipos de óbito avaliados. Conclusão: as variáveis analisadas alcançaram alto grau de preenchimento; à exceção do estado civil e da escolaridade, para as quais persistiram escores insatisfatórios para óbitos por CEs, totais e por subgrupos.

Objective: to evaluate the incompleteness of Mortality Information System (Sistema de Informações sobre Mortalidade - SIM) data on deaths from external causes (ECs) in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, 2000-2019. Methods: This was an ecological study, using SIM data on all deaths from external causes and, specifically, from transport accident, homicides, suicides and falls; the analysis of the trend of incompleteness was performed by means of Prais-Winsten regression, with a 5% significance level. Results: A total of 146,882 deaths were evaluated; sex (0.1%), place of death (0.1%) and age (0.4%) showed the lowest incompleteness in 2019; the proportion of incompleteness showed a decreasing trend for the place of death and schooling, an increasing trend for marital status and a stable trend for age and race/skin color, among all types of death evaluated. Conclusion: the variables analyzed reached a high degree of completion; with the exception of marital status and schooling, for which unsatisfactory scores persisted for deaths from ECs, both total and by subgroups.

Objetivo: evaluar la incompletitud de los datos del Sistema de Información de Mortalidad (SIM) para las defunciones por causas externas (CEs) en Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, 2000-2019. Métodos: estudio ecológico con datos del SIM por causas externas, totales y por accidentes de tránsito, homicidios, suicidios y caídas; se utilizó la regresión de Prais-Winsten para evaluar la tendencia de incompletitud, con un nivel de significancia del 5%. Resultados: se evaluaron 146.882 muertes; sexo (0,1%), lugar de muerte (0,1%) y edad (0,4%) mostraron menos incompletitud en 2019; la tendencia de la proporción de incompletitud disminuyó para el lugar de ocurrencia y la educación, aumentó para el estado civil y se mantuvo estable para edad y raza/color del piel para todo tipo de muertes evaluadas. Conclusión: las variables analizadas lograron alta calidad de información, con excepción del estado civil y educación, que persistieron con incompletitud insatisfactoria para las muertes por CE (total y subgrupos).

Excesso de óbitos classificados com códigos garbage na pandemia de Covid-19, no estado da Paraíba / Excess of deaths classified with garbage codes in the COVID-19 pandemic / Exceso de muertes clasificados con códigos garbage en la pandemia COVID-19

Resumo No cenário de calamidade assistido durante a pandemia de Covid-19, o ato de definir a causa básica de um óbito não foi trivial e o aumento da utilização dos códigos garbage (códigos mal definidos ou pouco específicos) traz preocupação em relação à qualidade da informação sobre as causas de morte nos estados do Brasil. Constatou-se um aumento significativo do número de óbitos no período pandêmico no estado da Paraíba, localizado na região Nordeste do Brasil, situação que se assemelhou ao contexto nacional. Em 2020 ocorreram 31.107 óbitos na Paraíba, enquanto no período de 2015 a 2019 foi identificada uma média de 27.000 óbitos. O objetivo do presente estudo é identificar e mensurar o excesso de óbitos classificados com códigos garbage em 2020, no estado da Paraíba, durante a pandemia de Covid-19. As séries temporais de óbitos foram obtidas do Painel de Monitoramento da Mortalidade por Causas Básicas Inespecíficas ou Incompletas (garbage codes) do Ministério da Saúde, para todos os meses de 2015 a 2020. Foram calculadas as projeções de óbitos totais e dos óbitos por códigos garbage (CG). O cálculo do excesso da proporção de óbitos classificados por códigos garbage no estado da Paraíba, em 2020, resultou em 8,58%, destacando-se o mês de junho com o maior valor (19,42%). Espera-se contribuir para avanços no conhecimento da realidade da qualidade da informação da notificação dos óbitos em uma área do país que almeja avanços nesse sentido e evidenciar a necessidade da investigação em outras localidades do Brasil.

Abstract In the disaster scenario witnessed during the pandemic caused by COVID-19, the act of defining the underlying cause of a death was no trivial matter and the increased use of Garbage Codes (poorly defined or not very specific codes) raises concerns regarding the quality of the information on causes of death in the states of Brazil. There was a significant increase in the number of deaths during the pandemic in the state of Paraíba, located in the Northeast region of Brazil, a situation similar to the national context. There were 31,107 deaths in 2020 in Paraíba, while an average of 27,000 deaths were identified for the period 2015 to 2019. Our goal was to identify and measure the excess of deaths classified with Garbage Codes in the COVID-19 pandemic in the geographic space of the state of Paraíba in 2020. The time series of deaths were obtained from the Mortality Monitoring Panel for Unspecific or Incomplete Basic Causes (Garbage Codes) of the Ministry of Health, for all months of the years 2015 to 2020. Projections of total deaths and deaths by Garbage Codes (GC) were calculated. The calculation of the excess proportion of deaths classified by Garbage Codes in the state of Paraíba resulted in 8.58%, highlighting the month of June 2020, which reached the maximum value equal to 19.42%. We expect to contribute to advance knowledge regarding the current reality of quality information on death notifications in an area of the country that seeks to make progress in this direction and to highlight the need for research in other locations in Brazil.

Resumen En el escenario de desastre que se vivió durante la pandemia de COVID-19, definir la causa subyacente de una muerte no fue baladí y el aumento del uso de códigos garbage (códigos mal definidos o poco específicos) genera preocupaciones acerca la calidad de la información sobre las causas de muerte en los estados de Brasil. En cuanto al aumento del número de muertes en el período de la pandemia en el estado de Paraíba, en la región Nordeste de Brasil, la situación fue similar al contexto nacional: 31.107 muertes en 2020, mientras que durante el período 2015-2019 el promedio fue de 27.000 muertes. El objetivo de este trabajo fue identificar y medir el exceso de muertes clasificadas con códigos Garbage en la pandemia de COVID-19 en el estado de Paraíba en 2020. Las series temporales de defunciones se obtuvieron del Panel de Seguimiento de Mortalidad por Causas Básicas Inespecíficas o Incompletas del Ministerio de Salud, para todos los meses de 2015 a 2020. Se calcularon proyecciones de muertes totales y muertes por códigos basura, para los que el cálculo de la proporción de exceso de muertes resultó en 8,58 %, con un valor de 19,42 % durante junio. Se espera contribuir a la calidad de la información sobre las notificaciones de muerte en un área del país que busca avances en esa dirección y resaltar la necesidad de investigaciones en otras localidades de Brasil.

Automatização da codificação e seleção das causas de óbitos no Peru: estudo descritivo, 2016-2019 / Automated coding and selection of causes of death in Peru: a descriptive study, 2016-2019 / Automatización de la codificación y selección de causas de muerte en Perú: estudio descriptivo, 2016-2019

Objetivo: descrever o desempenho de um software na seleção automática da causa básica de morte no Peru, entre 2016 e 2019. Métodos: estudo descritivo do desempenho de um software na seleção automatizada da causa básica de morte ao longo dos anos (teste qui-quadrado de tendência) e da correlação entre a forma de declaração de óbito e o desempenho do software (coeficientes de correlação e determinação). Resultados: foram analisadas 446.217 declarações de óbito; a proporção de declarações com causa básica de morte aumentou de 69,6%, em 2016, para 78,8%, em 2019 (p-valor < 0,001); observou-se correlação linear direta entre as declarações eletrônicas de óbito e o desempenho do software (coeficiente de correlação = 0,95; R2 = 0,89). Conclusão: o software apresentou bom desempenho na seleção automática da causa básica de morte, com aumento significativo entre 2016 e 2019.

Objective: to describe software performance in the automatic selection of the underlying cause of death in Peru, between 2016 and 2019. Methods: this was a descriptive study on the software performance in the automated selection of the underlying cause of death over the years (chi-square test for trend) and the correlation between the type of death certificate and software performance (correlation coefficient and coefficient of determination). Results: a total of 446,217 death certificates were analyzed; the proportion of death certificates with the underlying cause of death increased from 69.6% in 2016 to 78.8% in 2019 (p-value < 0.001); it could be seen a direct linear correlation between electronic death certificates and software performance (correlation coefficient = 0.95; R2 = 0.89). Conclusion: the software showed good performance in the automatic selection of the underlying cause of death, with a significant increase between 2016 and 2019.

Objetivo: describir el desempeño de un software en la selección automática de la causa básica de muerte en Perú, entre 2016 y 2019. Métodos: estudio descriptivo de la tendencia del desempeño de un software para seleccionar la causa básica de muerte a través de los años (chi cuadrado de tendencia) y la correlación entre los certificados de defunción electrónicos y el desempeño del software (coeficientes de correlación y determinación). Resultados: se analizaron 446.217 certificados; la proporción de certificados con causa básica de muerte aumentó de 69,6% en 2016 a 78,8% en 2019 (p-valor < 0,001); se observó una correlación lineal directa entre certificados electrónicos y el desempeño del software (coeficiente de correlación = 0,95; R2 = 0,89). Conclusión: el software presentó un buen desempeño en la selección de la causa básica de muerte y aumentó significativamente entre 2016 y 2019.

Maternal mortality committee and death surveillance in Recife in improving information: ex-ante and ex-post evaluation / Comitê de mortalidade materna e a vigilância do óbito em Recife no aprimoramento das informações: avaliação ex-ante e ex-post

Abstract Objectives: to evaluate the contribution of the Maternal Mortality and Death Surveillance Committee for women of childbearing age (WCA) and maternal mortality in the magnitude of maternal mortality and in the qualification of the causes of death in Recife, Brazil. Methods: ex ante/ex post evaluation, ecological, of the annual indicators of mortality of WCA, maternal and case study of declared maternal deaths according to causes of death before and after surveillance. Deaths of WCA (2010 and 2017) were analyzed. The percentage of investigation of deaths of WCA was calculated; their rates and maternal mortality ratio (MMR) were estimated; the groups of causes of death, classification of death, the moment of death, the proportional variation before and after surveillance, and the relocation of the causes after this process were described. Results: 4.327 (97.0%) of deaths of WCA were investigated (increase of 40.7% of maternal deaths) and MMR of 62.9/100 thousand live births. Improved notifications of immediate/late (75.0%) and remote (300.0%) postpartum; there was a difference in direct obstetric causes, total maternal deaths and late maternal death (p<0.001). Conclusion: the surveillance and the Maternal Mortality Committee showed potential in identifying the magnitude and qualification of causes of maternal death in order to propose the interventions directed to obstetric care.

Resumo Objetivos: avaliar a contribuição do Comitê de Mortalidade Materna e da Vigilância do Óbito de mulheres em idade fértil (MIF) e materno na magnitude da mortalidade materna e na qualificação das causas dos óbitos no Recife, Brasil. Métodos: avaliação ex ante/ex post, ecológico, dos indicadores anuais de mortalidade de MIF, materna e estudo de caso de óbitos maternos declarados segundo causas de morte antes e após a vigilância. Analisaram-se óbitos de MIF (2010-2017) e calculou-se o percentual de investigação; estimaram-se suas taxas e a razão de mortalidade materna (RMM); descreveram-se: grupos de causa, classificação e momento do óbito, variação proporcional antes e após a vigilância/análise do comitê e a realocação das causas após esse processo. Resultados: investigou-se 4.327 (97,0%) dos óbitos de MIF (incremento de 40,7% das mortes maternas), e RMM de 62,9/100 mil nascidos vivos; melhoraram as notificações do puerpério imediato/ tardio (75,0%) e remoto (300,0%); houve diferença nas causas obstétricas diretas, total de óbitos maternos e morte materna tardia (p<0,001). Conclusão: mostrou-se o potencial da vigilância e do Comitê de Mortalidade Materna na identificação da magnitude e qualificação das causas de morte materna para proposição de medidas direcionadas aos cuidados obstétricos.

Socio-demographic inequalities and excess non-COVID-19 mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic: a data-driven analysis of 1 069 174 death certificates in Mexico.

BACKGROUND: In 2020, Mexico experienced one of the highest rates of excess mortality globally. However, the extent of non-COVID deaths on excess mortality, its regional distribution and the association between socio-demographic inequalities have not been characterized. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective municipal and individual-level study using 1 069 174 death certificates to analyse COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 deaths classified by ICD-10 codes. Excess mortality was estimated as the increase in cause-specific mortality in 2020 compared with the average of 2015-2019, disaggregated by primary cause of death, death setting (in-hospital and out-of-hospital) and geographical location. Correlates of individual and municipal non-COVID-19 mortality were assessed using mixed effects logistic regression and negative binomial regression models, respectively. RESULTS: We identified a 51% higher mortality rate (276.11 deaths per 100 000 inhabitants) compared with the 2015-2019 average period, largely attributable to COVID-19. Non-COVID-19 causes comprised one-fifth of excess deaths, with acute myocardial infarction and type 2 diabetes as the two leading non-COVID-19 causes of excess mortality. COVID-19 deaths occurred primarily in-hospital, whereas excess non-COVID-19 deaths occurred in out-of-hospital settings. Municipal-level predictors of non-COVID-19 excess mortality included levels of social security coverage, higher rates of COVID-19 hospitalization and social marginalization. At the individual level, lower educational attainment, blue-collar employment and lack of medical care assistance prior to death were associated with non-COVID-19 deaths. CONCLUSION: Non-COVID-19 causes of death, largely chronic cardiometabolic conditions, comprised up to one-fifth of excess deaths in Mexico during 2020. Non-COVID-19 excess deaths occurred disproportionately out-of-hospital and were associated with both individual- and municipal-level socio-demographic inequalities.

Trend of incompleteness of cancer death records in the Mortality Information System database, state of Mato Grosso, Brazil, 2000 to 2016.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the trend of incompleteness of cancer death records in the Mortality Information System (SIM, in Portuguese) database, state of Mato Grosso, Brazil, 2000 to 2016. METHODS: This is a descriptive, ecological, time series study of records of death from cancer of people living in the state of Mato Grosso (codes C00 to C97 of the 10th revision of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems - ICD-10), collected from SIM. To asses incompleteness in the filling of the variables of race/skin color, education, marital status, occupation and underlying cause of death, the relative frequency was calculated in the percentage of null values. The time trend analyzes of the incomplete percentage of categories and variables of interest was performed using linear regression (p<0.05). RESULTS: From 2000 to 2016, there were 31,097 deaths from cancer among residents of the state of Mato Grosso. Race/skin color, marital status and occupation presented a stable trend of incompleteness; education and underlying cause of death were decreasing. An increasing trend was observed in the categories ignored (marital status) and retired (occupation); a decreasing trend was observed for blank (education), unidentified and housewife (occupation), and C76-other and ill-defined sites and C80-without specification of site (underlying cause of death). Incompleteness of occupation was classified as very poor, with emphasis on housewife and retired. For the remaining variables and categories, the classification was excellent or good. CONCLUSIONS: Although most of the indicators showed satisfactory trend and classification, the marital status and occupation variables stood out for indicating poorer quality in the records.

Análisis de causas de muerte intrahospitalarias mal definidas e imprecisas / Analysis of ill-defined and imprecise in-hospital causes of death

Introducción: la información sobre las causas de muerte es de gran importancia tanto para los países como para las instituciones sanitarias, en la medida en que contribuye a la evaluación y el seguimiento del estado de salud de la población y a la planificación de intervenciones sanitarias. El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar la proporción de causas de muerte mal definidas e imprecisas y su relación con el día de la semana y período lectivo de médicos residentes en el Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires (HIBA) durante 2020. Métodos: se realizó un estudio analítico de corte transversal a partir de certificados médicos de defunción de pacientes fallecidos en el ámbito intrahospitalario, evaluando las causas de muerte mal definidas (términos médicos que no aportan información desde el punto de vista clínico y epidemiológico) y las imprecisas (no resultan lo suficientemente específicas como para identificar entidades nosológicas que permitan establecer acciones de prevención y control). Resultados: se analizaron 1030 certificados de defunción, con una proporción de certificados con causa básica de muerte mal definida del 2,3% (n = 24), mientras que en el 17,4% (n = 180) fue imprecisa. No se hallaron diferencias entre la proporción de causas básicas mal definidas y las imprecisas según el día de la semana o período lectivo. Al extender el análisis a todas las causas (básicas, mediatas e inmediatas), la proporción de causas mal definidas fue del 1,6% (n = 40) y la de imprecisas del 51% (n = 1212). Conclusiones: los resultados definen al HIBA como un centro de mediana calidad estadística en el registro de causas de muerte. Se concluye que es necesario mejorarla, para lo que resulta de interés la creación de un plan de capacitación y entrenamiento de los médicos en el grado y el posgrado. (AU)

Introduction: information on causes of death is of great importance both for countries and for health institutions, as it contributes to the evaluation and monitoring of the health status of the population and to the planning of health interventions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the proportion of ill-defined and imprecise causes of death and its relationship with the day of the week and academic calendar during 2020 at the Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires. Methods: a cross-sectional study was carried out from data recorded in the death certificates of patients who died in the intrahospital setting, evaluating ill-defined causes of death (medical terms that do not provide clinical or epidemiological information) and imprecise ones (not specific enough to identify nosological entities susceptible to prevention or control). Results: 1030 death certificates were analyzed. The proportion of certificates with ill-defined underlying causes of death was 2.3% (n=24), while 17.4% (n=180) was imprecise. No significant differences were found between the ill-defined and imprecise underlying causes of death and the day of the week and academic calendar. When extending the analysis to all causes (underlying, intermediate, and immediate) the percentage of ill-defined causes was 1.6% (n=40) and 51% (n=1212) was imprecise. Conclusions: results define our hospital as of medium statistical quality on medical death certification. It is concluded that it is necessary to improve the quality of the registry, for which the creation of a training plan for undergraduate and graduate physicians is of interest. (AU)

Place of death and associated factors in 12 Latin American countries: A total population study using death certificate data.

Background: Little is known about place of death in Latin America, although this data are crucial for health system planning. This study aims to describe place of death and associated factors in Latin America and to identify factors that contribute to inter-country differences in place of death. Methods: We conducted a total population observational study using death certificates of the total annual decedent populations in 12 countries (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Ecuador, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay) for the most recent available year (2016, 2017, or 2018). Data were analysed regarding place of death and multivariable logistic regression with place of death as the dependent variable was used to examine associated clinical and sociodemographic factors (independent variables) in each of the countries. Results: The total study sample was 2 994 685 deaths; 31.3% of deaths occurred at home, and 57.6% in hospitals. A strong variation was found among the countries with home deaths ranging from 20% (Brazil) to 67.9% (Guatemala) and hospital deaths from 22.3% (Guatemala) to 69.5% (Argentina). These differences between countries remained largely unchanged after controlling for sociodemographic factors and causes of death. The likelihood of dying at home was consistently higher with increasing age, for those living in a rural area, and for those with a lower educational level (except in Argentina). Conclusions: Most deaths in Latin America occur in hospitals, with a strong variation between countries. As clinical and sociodemographic factors included in this study did not explain country differences, other factors such as policy and health care system seem to have a crucial impact on where people die in Latin America.

Mortality surveillance in Brazil: factors associated with certification of unspecified external cause of death.

This article aims to analyze the association between characteristics of death - type of certifier and place of death - and the odds of an external cause death being certified as unspecified in Brazil. Cross-sectional study of deaths due to external causes from the Mortality Information System, 2017. Unspecified external cause (UEC) is the outcome variable in the models. Type of certifier physician, place of death and the interaction of these variables were the explanatory variables. Confounders were controlled by multiple logistic regression. UEC were the initial underlying cause for 22% of the 159,720 deaths from external causes in Brazil and 31% of hospital deaths issued by coroners. After adjustment for confounders, the odds of UEC in a hospital death certified by a coroner was 98% greater (OR=1.98; 95%CI: 1.53; 2.56) than in a home/street death issued by another certifier. This was greater than the odds for certifications by coroners (OR=1.23; 95%CI: 1.14; 1.33) and hospital deaths (OR=1.44; 95%CI: 1.32; 1.58). External causes certified by coroners and/or occurring in hospitals have a higher presence of UEC than other deaths; and indicate the need for coordinated initiatives by the health and public security sectors.