Mortality from external causes: a public health problem. Argentina, Chile and Colombia. 2000-2008

Abstract

A descriptive study of mortality was conducted due to external causes in Argentinean, Chilean and Colombian population during the 2000-2008 period. Deaths caused by killings, suicides and traffic accidents were analyzed regarding sex and age. A reduction in the risk of death due to these causes was observed in the second three-year period. There were differences in the mortality rate by sex and age, depending on the external cause of death. The highest mortality levels belonged to the homicide, followed by the traffic accidents and the suicides. Male overmortality was registered in the three selected countries.