Mejora de la estadística de mortalidad por suicidio en Tarragona (Cataluña, España) entre 2004 y 2012 / Improving suicide mortality statistics in Tarragona (Catalonia, Spain) between 2004-2012

Introducción: La vigilancia y prevención de la conducta suicida requiere, entre otros datos, conocer con precisión las muertes por suicidio (MPS). Frecuentemente existe una infradeclaración o mala clasificación de las MPS en las estadísticas oficiales de mortalidad. El objetivo del estudio es analizar la infradeclaración de la estadística de mortalidad por suicidio en Tarragona (Cataluña, España). Material y métodos: Análisis de las MPS ocurridas en la División de Tarragona del Institut de Medicina Legal i Ciències Forenses de Catalunya (DT-IMLCFC) entre los años 2004 y 2012. Las fuentes de información fueron el fichero de defunciones del Registre de Mortalitat de Catalunya (RMC) y el archivo de autopsias del DT-IMLCFC. Se compararon estadísticamente las tasas y las características demográficas de las MPS declaradas en el RMC y las recuperadas. Resultados: La media de casos no declarados en el período fue del 16,2%, con el mínimo en el año 2005 (2,2%) y el máximo en el año 2009 (26,8%). La tasa bruta de mortalidad por suicidio pasó de 6,6 por 100.000 habitantes a 7,9 por 100.000 habitantes tras la incorporación de los datos forenses. Se detectaron diferencias poco importantes en el perfil sociodemográfico de los suicidios declarados inicialmente y los definitivos, excepto en el método de suicidio, con un aumento significativo de los envenenamientos y los arrollamientos en vía férrea. Conclusiones: La recuperación de datos en las MPS a partir de las fuentes forenses mejora la información estadística, corrigiendo su infradeclaración y ampliando el conocimiento sobre el método de suicidio y las características personales

Introduction: Monitoring and preventing suicidal behaviour requires, among other data, knowing suicide deaths precisely. They often appear under-reported or misclassified in the official mortality statistics. The aim of this study is to analyse the under-reporting found in the suicide mortality statistics of Tarragona (a province of Catalonia, Spain). Method and materials: The analysis takes into account all suicide deaths that occurred in the Tarragona Area of the Catalan Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences (TA-CILMFS) between 2004 and 2012. The sources of information were the death data files of the Catalan Mortality Register, as well as the Autopsies Files of the TA-CILMFS. Suicide rates and socio-demographic profiles were statistically compared between the suicide initially reported and the final one. Results: The mean percentage of non-reported cases in the period was 16.2%, with a minimum percentage of 2.2% in 2005 and a maximum of 26.8% in 2009. The crude mortality rate by suicide rose from 6.6 to 7.9 per 100,000 inhabitants once forensic data were incorporated. Small differences were detected between the socio-demographic profile of the suicide initially reported and the final one. Supplementary information was obtained on the suicide method, which revealed a significant increase in poisoning and suicides involving trains. Conclusions: An exhaustive review of suicide deaths data from forensic sources has led to an improvement in the under-reported statistical information. It also improves the knowledge of the method of suicide and personal characteristics

Improving suicide mortality statistics in Tarragona (Catalonia, Spain) between 2004-2012. / Mejora de la estadística de mortalidad por suicidio en Tarragona (Cataluña, España) entre 2004 y 2012.

INTRODUCTION: Monitoring and preventing suicidal behaviour requires, among other data, knowing suicide deaths precisely. They often appear under-reported or misclassified in the official mortality statistics. The aim of this study is to analyse the under-reporting found in the suicide mortality statistics of Tarragona (a province of Catalonia, Spain). METHOD AND MATERIALS: The analysis takes into account all suicide deaths that occurred in the Tarragona Area of the Catalan Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences (TA-CILMFS) between 2004 and 2012. The sources of information were the death data files of the Catalan Mortality Register, as well as the Autopsies Files of the TA-CILMFS. Suicide rates and socio-demographic profiles were statistically compared between the suicide initially reported and the final one. RESULTS: The mean percentage of non-reported cases in the period was 16.2%, with a minimum percentage of 2.2% in 2005 and a maximum of 26.8% in 2009. The crude mortality rate by suicide rose from 6.6 to 7.9 per 100,000 inhabitants once forensic data were incorporated. Small differences were detected between the socio-demographic profile of the suicide initially reported and the final one. Supplementary information was obtained on the suicide method, which revealed a significant increase in poisoning and suicides involving trains. CONCLUSIONS: An exhaustive review of suicide deaths data from forensic sources has led to an improvement in the under-reported statistical information. It also improves the knowledge of the method of suicide and personal characteristics.

Autopsia judicial y autopsia clínica / Forensic autopsy and clinical autopsy

No disponible

Comentarios sobre las diferencias en el número de muertes por suicidio en España / Comments about the differences in the number of suicide deaths in Spain

No disponible

Evolución temporal y distribución geográfica de la mortalidad por suicidio en Cataluña y España (1986-2002) / Geographical distribution an time trends of suicide mortality in Catalonia and Spain [1986-2002]

Objetivos: Estudiar la evolución temporal de la mortalidad por suicidio en Cataluña (1986-2002) y España (1986-2001), y analizar su distribución geográfica en esta comunidad autónoma. Métodos: Se calcularon las tasas anuales estandarizadas por edad para ambos sexos por el método directo y el porcentaje de cambio anual mediante un modelo de regresión de Poisson, por sexo y grupos de edad para Cataluña (1986-2002) y España (1986-2001). Para Cataluña, se calculó la razón de mortalidad estandarizada por el método indirecto (RME) por sexo, para los 46 sectores sanitarios y para todo el período, y la razón de mortalidad comparativa (RMC) y los intervalos de confianza (IC del 95%) agrupando los años en período 1 (1986-1994) y período 2 (1995-2002). Resultados: En Cataluña, la mortalidad en hombres es inferior que en España y se aprecia un incremento (no significativo) en el período estudiado en ambos territorios; en mujeres, la evolución y la magnitud de las tasas son similares a las del conjunto del Estado, y en los dos lugares se observa un ligero descenso (significativo) de las tasas. La evolución según la edad y el sexo muestra patrones diferenciados, destacando el descenso de las tasas en edades avanzadas en ambos sexos y el aumento en jóvenes en España y Cataluña. Los sectores sanitarios de la zona central, noreste y sur de Cataluña presentan una mortalidad superior a la media. Conclusiones: La evolución temporal de la mortalidad por suicidio en Cataluña y España muestra patrones diferentes según la edad y el sexo. En la distribución territorial en Cataluña se observa una progresiva homogeneización por sectores sanitarios

Objective: To analyze time trends in Catalonia (1986-2002) and Spain (1986-2001) in suicide mortality and its geographical variation by health areas in Catalonia. Methods: Standard annual mortality rates were calculated by the direct method for Catalonia (1986-2002) and Spain (1986-2001) (standard population of Catalonia 1991). The adjusted annual percent change was analyzed by means of a Poisson regression by gender and by age group for Catalonia and Spain. For the geographical variation in Catalonia, standardized mortality ratio using the indirect method (SMR) were calculated by gender and for the 46 health areas for the entire period and the comparative mortality figures and its confidence intervals at 95% were analyzed grouping the years in period 1(1986-1994) and period 2 (1995-2002). Results: Men's mortality in Catalonia was lower than in Spain and an increase (not significant) was observed in both places during the period; for women, the evolution and rates were similar, with a small decrease (significant) for Catalonia and Spain. Differences in patterns and trends for age and sex were observed, showing a decrease in the elderly groups for both sexes and an increase for the young for Spain and Catalonia. In terms of geographic distribution, the health sectors of the Central, Northeast and South Catalonia zones show higher than average mortality. Conclusions: The time trends of mortality by suicide in Catalonia shows different patterns according to age and gender. A progressive homogenization in the territorial distribution by health areas was observed

[Avoidable mortality: a consensus list of causes to update the indicator in Spain]. / La mortalidad evitable: lista de consenso para la actualización del indicador en España.

OBJECTIVE: Mortality indicators could reflect the effect of health services interventions on the population's health, although there is no agreement about which indicator would be the most appropriate. The objective of this study was to obtain a consensus list of causes of avoidable mortality that could be used as a reference in Spain. METHODS: Based on existing publications and participants' knowledge, a process of consensus among medical practitioners, producers and users of health indicators was carried out. The degree of agreement on the different items was assessed. RESULTS: Agreement was reached on a final list of 34 causes of avoidable mortality as well as on the interventions that could avoid death. The level of consensus was high or intermediate in most categories (consensus was low in only 4 categories) and was high for the list and sublists (medical care or health policy interventions) as a whole. Agreement was higher on the avoidable causes of death than on the kind of interventions that can avoid it. Discrepancy was greater for the kind of medical interventions than for intersectorial policy measures. CONCLUSIONS: The reflection and discussion involved in reaching a consensus on the avoidable mortality list, as well as the dissemination of the criteria and the procedures followed, provide added value. The list will improve data comparisons and facilitate benchmarking among the various regional health systems. We recommend its use in the Spanish context.

La mortalidad evitable: lista de consenso para la actualización del indicador en España / Avoidable mortality: a consensus list of causes to update the indicator in Spain

Objetivo: Los indicadores de mortalidad podrían reflejar el efecto de las intervenciones sanitarias sobre la salud de la población, aunque no hay acuerdo sobre el más adecuado. El objetivo del trabajo fue obtener una lista de causas de mortalidad evitable que pueda ser de uso común en España. Métodos: Se ha realizado un proceso de consenso entre médicos asistenciales, elaboradores y usuarios de indicadores sanitarios, basado en las publicaciones sobre el tema y las aportaciones de los expertos participantes. Se ha valorado el grado de acuerdo obtenido en los distintos ítems. Resultados: Se han consensuado 34 causas de mortalidad evitable, así como el tipo de intervenciones que podrían evitar la muerte. El consenso fue medio o alto en la mayor parte de causas e intervenciones (sólo en 4 fue bajo), así como para el conjunto de la lista y sublistas (de servicios sanitarios y de políticas intersectoriales) elaboradas. El consenso fue mayor en relación a la evitabilidad de las causas de muerte que al tipo de intervenciones que la pueden evitar. La discrepancia fue mayor en las intervenciones del ámbito asistencial que en las de políticas intersectoriales. Conclusiones: La reflexión y la discusión a que ha sido sometida esta lista de mortalidad evitable, así como la publicitación de los criterios y del procedimiento seguido, supone un valor añadido. La lista mejora la comparabilidad de los datos y de los resultados entre los distintos sistemas de salud del territorio, por lo cual se recomienda su utilización en el contexto español

Objective: Mortality indicators could reflect the effect of health services interventions on the population's health, although there is no agreement about which indicator would be the most appropriate. The objective of this study was to obtain a consensus list of causes of avoidable mortality that could be used as a reference in Spain. Methods: Based on existing publications and participants' knowledge, a process of consensus among medical practitioners, producers and users of health indicators was carried out. The degree of agreement on the different items was assessed. Results: Agreement was reached on a final list of 34 causes of avoidable mortality as well as on the interventions that could avoid death. The level of consensus was high or intermediate in most categories (consensus was low in only 4 categories) and was high for the list and sublists (medical care or health policy interventions) as a whole. Agreement was higher on the avoidable causes of death than on the kind of interventions that can avoid it. Discrepancy was greater for the kind of medical interventions than for intersectorial policy measures. Conclusions: The reflection and discussion involved in reaching a consensus on the avoidable mortality list, as well as the dissemination of the criteria and the procedures followed, provide added value. The list will improve data comparisons and facilitate benchmarking among the various regional health systems. We recommend its use in the Spanish context

[Geographical distribution and time trends of suicide mortality in Catalonia and Spain [1986-2002]]. / Evolución temporal y distribución geográfica de la mortalidad por suicidio en Cataluña y España (1986-2002).

OBJECTIVE: To analyze time trends in Catalonia (1986-2002) and Spain (1986-2001) in suicide mortality and its geographical variation by health areas in Catalonia. METHODS: Standard annual mortality rates were calculated by the direct method for Catalonia (1986-2002) and Spain (1986-2001) (standard population of Catalonia 1991). The adjusted annual percent change was analyzed by means of a Poisson regression by gender and by age group for Catalonia and Spain. For the geographical variation in Catalonia, standardized mortality ratio using the indirect method (SMR) were calculated by gender and for the 46 health areas for the entire period and the comparative mortality figures and its confidence intervals at 95% were analyzed grouping the years in period 1(1986-1994) and period 2 (1995-2002). RESULTS: Men's mortality in Catalonia was lower than in Spain and an increase (not significant) was observed in both places during the period; for women, the evolution and rates were similar, with a small decrease (significant) for Catalonia and Spain. Differences in patterns and trends for age and sex were observed, showing a decrease in the elderly groups for both sexes and an increase for the young for Spain and Catalonia. In terms of geographic distribution, the health sectors of the Central, Northeast and South Catalonia zones show higher than average mortality. CONCLUSIONS: The time trends of mortality by suicide in Catalonia shows different patterns according to age and gender. A progressive homogenization in the territorial distribution by health areas was observed.

[Geographical distribution and time trends in avoidable mortality in Catalonia, Spain (1986-2001)]. / Distribución geográfica y evolución temporal de la mortalidad evitable en Cataluña (1986-2001).

OBJECTIVES: To analyze time trends and geographical variation in avoidable mortality by health areas in Catalonia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Avoidable mortality was analyzed according to the classification used by the Health Department of the Regional Government of Catalonia from 1986-2001 for health areas and causes were grouped as treatable and preventable. Standardized mortality rates were calculated by the direct and indirect method and the comparative mortality figures were calculated for the treatable and preventable groups and for the 46 health areas. The mean annual change adjusted for age was also calculated using a Poisson regression of avoidable and general mortality. RESULTS: The total number of avoidable deaths was 61,261 (7.3% of overall deaths). 10,623 cases (17.34%) were classified as treatable and 50,638 (82.65%) as preventable. The mean annual change for avoidable causes was -2.43% (95% CI, -2.60 to -2.26), higher than the -1.57% (95% CI, -1.61 to -1.52) change for general mortality. The rates were higher for preventable causes than for treatable causes, although mortality decreased in both groups. The health area of Segrià was notable for its significantly higher mortality from both treatable and preventable causes in both periods. Four health areas showed a significant increase in mortality from preventable causes but none showed an increase in mortality from treatable causes. CONCLUSIONS: In Catalonia, the decrease in avoidable mortality was greater than that in general mortality from 1986 to 2001. The geographical distribution shows wide dispersion but allows areas requiring preventive interventions to be identified.

Distribución geográfica y evolución temporal de la mortalidad evitable en Cataluña (1986-2001) / Geographical distribution and time trends in avoidable mortality in Catalonia, Spain (1986-2001)

Objetivos:Analizar la evolución temporal y la distribución geográfica por sectores sanitarios de la mortalidad evitable en Cataluña. Material y métodos:Se analizó la mortalidad evitable según la clasificación utilizada en el Departamento de Salud de Cataluña por sectores sanitarios durante el período 1986-2001 y se agruparon las causas en tratables o prevenibles. Se calcularon las tasas de mortalidad estandarizadas por el método directo e indirecto y la razón de mortalidad comparativa para el grupo de tratables y prevenibles y para los 46 sectores sanitarios. También se calculó el promedio de cambio anual ajustado por edad mediante la regresión de Poisson de la mortalidad evitable y general. Resultados: El total de defunciones evitables fue 61.261 (el 7,3% de la mortalidad general). 10.623 (17,34%) se clasificaron como tratables y 50.638 (82,65%) como prevenibles. El promedio de cambio anual para las causas evitables fue del ­2,43% (intervalo de confianza [IC] del 95%, ­2,60 a ­2,26), superior al ­1,57% (IC del 95%, ­1,61 a ­1,52) de la mortalidad general. Las tasas fueron más elevadas para las causas prevenibles que para las tratables, aunque en ambos grupos se apreció un descenso de la mortalidad. El sector sanitario del Segrià destaca por presentar sobremortalidad en los 2 períodos y en los 2 grupos de causas. Cuatro sectores sanitarios presentan un aumento significativo de la mortalidad por causas prevenibles, pero ninguno por causas tratables. Conclusiones: En Cataluña, durante el período 1986-2001 se produce un descenso de la mortalidad evitable, mayor que el de la mortalidad general. La distribución geográfica muestra una gran dispersión, aunque se identifican claramente zonas en las que es necesaria la intervención preventiva

Objectives:To analyze time trends and geographical variation in avoidable mortality by health areas in Catalonia. Material and methods:Avoidable mortality was analyzed according to the classification used by the Health Department of the Regional Government of Catalonia from 1986-2001 for health areas and causes were grouped as treatable and preventable. Standarized mortality rates were calculated by the direct and indirect method and the comparative mortality figures were calculated for the treatable and preventable groups and for the 46 health areas. The mean annual change adjusted for age was also calculated using a Poisson regression of avoidable and general mortality. Results:The total number of avoidable deaths was 61261 (7.3% of overall deaths). 10623 cases (17.34%) were classified as treatable and 50638 (82.65%) as preventable. The mean annual change for avoidable causes was ­2.43% (95% CI, ­2.60 to ­2.26), higher than the ­1.57% (95% CI, ­1.61 to ­1.52) change for general mortality. The rates were higher for preventable causes than for treatable causes, although mortality decreased in both groups. The health area of Segrià was notable for its significantly higher mortality from both treatable and preventable causes in both periods. Four health areas showed a significant increase in mortality from preventable causes but none showed an increase in mortality from treatable causes. Conclusions: In Catalonia, the decrease in avoidable mortality was greater than that in general mortality from 1986 to 2001. The geographical distribution shows wide dispersion but allows areas requiring preventive interventions to be identifiedObjectives:To analyze time trends and geographical variation in avoidable mortality by health areas in Catalonia. Material and methods:Avoidable mortality was analyzed according to the classification used by the Health Department of the Regional Government of Catalonia from 1986-2001 for health areas and causes were grouped as treatable and preventable. Standarized mortality rates were calculated by the direct and indirect method and the comparative mortality figures were calculated for the treatable and preventable groups and for the 46 health areas. The mean annual change adjusted for age was also calculated using a Poisson regression of avoidable and general mortality. Results:The total number of avoidable deaths was 61261 (7.3% of overall deaths). 10623 cases (17.34%) were classified as treatable and 50638 (82.65%) as preventable. The mean annual change for avoidable causes was ­2.43% (95% CI, ­2.60 to ­2.26), higher than the ­1.57% (95% CI, ­1.61 to ­1.52) change for general mortality. The rates were higher for preventable causes than for treatable causes, although mortality decreased in both groups. The health area of Segrià was notable for its significantly higher mortality from both treatable and preventable causes in both periods. Four health areas showed a significant increase in mortality from preventable causes but none showed an increase in mortality from treatable causes. Conclusions: In Catalonia, the decrease in avoidable mortality was greater than that in general mortality from 1986 to 2001. The geographical distribution shows wide dispersion but allows areas requiring preventive interventions to be identified

Distribución geográfica y evolución temporal de la mortalidad evitable en Cataluña (1986-2001) / Geographical distribution and time trends in avoidable mortality in Catalonia, Spain (1986-2001)

Objetivos:Analizar la evolución temporal y la distribución geográfica por sectores sanitarios de la mortalidad evitable en Cataluña. Material y métodos:Se analizó la mortalidad evitable según la clasificación utilizada en el Departamento de Salud de Cataluña por sectores sanitarios durante el período 1986-2001 y se agruparon las causas en tratables o prevenibles. Se calcularon las tasas de mortalidad estandarizadas por el método directo e indirecto y la razón de mortalidad comparativa para el grupo de tratables y prevenibles y para los 46 sectores sanitarios. También se calculó el promedio de cambio anual ajustado por edad mediante la regresión de Poisson de la mortalidad evitable y general. Resultados: El total de defunciones evitables fue 61.261 (el 7,3% de la mortalidad general). 10.623 (17,34%) se clasificaron como tratables y 50.638 (82,65%) como prevenibles. El promedio de cambio anual para las causas evitables fue del ­2,43% (intervalo de confianza [IC] del 95%, ­2,60 a ­2,26), superior al ­1,57% (IC del 95%, ­1,61 a ­1,52) de la mortalidad general. Las tasas fueron más elevadas para las causas prevenibles que para las tratables, aunque en ambos grupos se apreció un descenso de la mortalidad. El sector sanitario del Segrià destaca por presentar sobremortalidad en los 2 períodos y en los 2 grupos de causas. Cuatro sectores sanitarios presentan un aumento significativo de la mortalidad por causas prevenibles, pero ninguno por causas tratables. Conclusiones: En Cataluña, durante el período 1986-2001 se produce un descenso de la mortalidad evitable, mayor que el de la mortalidad general. La distribución geográfica muestra una gran dispersión, aunque se identifican claramente zonas en las que es necesaria la intervención preventiva

Objectives:To analyze time trends and geographical variation in avoidable mortality by health areas in Catalonia. Material and methods:Avoidable mortality was analyzed according to the classification used by the Health Department of the Regional Government of Catalonia from 1986-2001 for health areas and causes were grouped as treatable and preventable. Standarized mortality rates were calculated by the direct and indirect method and the comparative mortality figures were calculated for the treatable and preventable groups and for the 46 health areas. The mean annual change adjusted for age was also calculated using a Poisson regression of avoidable and general mortality. Results:The total number of avoidable deaths was 61261 (7.3% of overall deaths). 10623 cases (17.34%) were classified as treatable and 50638 (82.65%) as preventable. The mean annual change for avoidable causes was ­2.43% (95% CI, ­2.60 to ­2.26), higher than the ­1.57% (95% CI, ­1.61 to ­1.52) change for general mortality. The rates were higher for preventable causes than for treatable causes, although mortality decreased in both groups. The health area of Segrià was notable for its significantly higher mortality from both treatable and preventable causes in both periods. Four health areas showed a significant increase in mortality from preventable causes but none showed an increase in mortality from treatable causes. Conclusions: In Catalonia, the decrease in avoidable mortality was greater than that in general mortality from 1986 to 2001. The geographical distribution shows wide dispersion but allows areas requiring preventive interventions to be identified

Esperanza de vida libre de incapacidad y esperanza de vida en buena salud en Cataluña 1994-2000 / Disability free life expectancy (DFLE) and healthy life expectancy (HALE). Two chosen indicators to monitorize general health objectives

Fundamento y objetivo: Una medida operativa del concepto salud debe incluir aspectos como la duración de la vida y su calidad. El objetivo del trabajo es analizar el cambio, entre 1994 y 2000, de dos indicadores, la esperanza de vida libre de incapacidad (EVLI) y la esperanza de vida en buena salud (EVBS), y valorar sus posibles aportaciones a la evaluación de los objetivos del Plan de Salud de Cataluña. Población y método: Los datos de mortalidad, para los años 1994 y 2000, provienen del Registro de Mortalidad de Cataluña y la población es una estimación inter y poscensal del Institut d'Estadística de Catalunya de estos años, respectivamente. La información de discapacidad y percepción de la salud proviene de las encuestas de salud de Cataluña de 1994 y de 2002. Para el cálculo de la EVLI y la EVBS se ha usado el método de Sullivan o método de prevalencia. Resultados: La esperanza de vida al nacer ha aumentado 1,65 años para los varones y 1,29 para las mujeres en este período, la EVLI al nacer se ha incrementado en 0,11 y 0,46 años para varones y mujeres y la EVBS al nacer ha aumentado en 1,05 y 2,61, respectivamente. La evolución para los distintos grupos de edad ha sido desigual, con un empeoramiento de la EVBS en los grupos de edad avanzada. Conclusiones: La EVBS es un indicador adecuado para controlar la salud de la población general. La EVLI, basada en el concepto de discapacidad, es más indicada para evaluar los objetivos relacionados con el envejecimiento y la situación de salud de las personas mayores (AU)

Background and objective: An operative health measure must include aspects such as life duration an its quality. The main purpose of this paper is to analize DFLE and HALE evolution between 1994 and 2000. We also assess its potential applications to the evaluation of the Health Plan for Catalonia for the year 2000 objectives. Subjects and method: Mortality data are from the Registro de Mortalidad de Catalunya (1994 and 2000). The population data are inter and post-census valuations from the Catalan Institute of Statistics for each year respectively. As regard to disability and health perception, we have analized 1994 and 2002 health surveys. Finally Sullivan's method was applied to calculate DFLE and HALE. Results: Life expectancy at birth has increased 1.65 years for men and 1.29 for women in the study period. DFLE at birth has raised 0.11 and 0.46 for men and women respectively. Moreover HALE at birth has increased 1.05 and 2.61 points respectively. However, the group-age rates evolution vary widely because elderly people has experimented a decrease in HALE. Conclusions: HALE is a good indicator in order to monitorize population's health. DFLE is an accurate indicator in order to evaluate objectives related to ageing and elderly people health situation (AU)

[Mortality due to dementias in Catalonia, Spain: an emergent health problem]. / Mortalidad por demencia en Cataluña: un problema de salud emergente.

BACKGROUND: The aims of this study were to describe the trends of mortality from dementias according to gender and age in Catalonia (Spain) and to estimate their evolution from 1979 to 2003. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The dementia death data (ICD-9: 290-290.9 298.9, 294.9, 331.0, and 331.2) between 1979 and 1998 come from the Catalonian Mortality Register of the Department of Health as well as the official population census, lineal estimations and projections made by the Institute of Statistics of Catalonia. For the calculation of trend and mortality projections up to 2003, a Poisson regression model was adjusted for each gender, using the variables age, period and birth cohort. RESULTS: Dementia mortality rate moved from 2.14 per 100,000 inhabitants during 1979-1983 to 41.95 during 1994-1998. With regard to the period 1989-1998, the average percentage of the annual variation of mortality is estimated to be 7.5% for males and 9.6% for females. The increase is in part due to population aging and also to a cohort effect of people born before 1925. The expected annual mean number of dementia deaths during 1999-2003 is estimated at 4,594. CONCLUSIONS: Mortality from dementias in Catalonia has experienced a substantial increase over the last 20 years. Given the health and social impact of this group of diseases and the future perspectives, dementias should be considered as an emergent problem in public health.

Mortalidad por demencia en Cataluña: un problema de salud emergente / Mortality due to dementias in Catalonia, Spain: an emergent health problem

FUNDAMENTO: El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar las tendencias de mortalidad por demencias en Cataluña por sexo y edad, entre 1979 y 1998, y estimar su evolución hasta el 2003.MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: Las defunciones por demencias (CIE-9: 290-290.9, 298.9, 294.9, 331.0 y 331.2) de los años 1979 al 1998 proceden del Registro de Mortalidad de Cataluña del Departament de Sanitat i Seguretat Social y la población de los censos y padrones oficiales, estimaciones lineales entre éstos y proyecciones elaboradas por el Institut d'Estadística de Catalunya. Para el cálculo de la tendencia y la proyección de la mortalidad hasta 2003 se ajustó un modelo de regresión de Poisson para cada sexo, con las variables edad, período y cohorte de nacimiento. RESULTADOS: La tasa bruta de mortalidad por demencias ha pasado de 2,14 por 100.000 habitantes en el período 1979-1983, a 41,95 en el 1994-1998. El porcentaje de cambio anual se estima del 7,5 por ciento en los varones y del 9,6 por ciento en las mujeres durante el período 1989-1998. Este incremento es debido en parte al envejecimiento de la población, pero también al efecto cohorte de los nacidos antes de 1925. El número medio anual de muertes esperadas para el período 1999-2003 se estima en 4.594. CONCLUSIONES: La mortalidad por demencia en Cataluña ha experimentado un substancial aumento en los últimos 20 años. Dado el impacto sanitario y social de estas enfermedades y las perspectivas de futuro, las demencias deberían considerarse un problema emergente en salud pública. (AU)