Improving the information on the underlying cause of death based on record linkage: an analysis of external causes among the elderly - State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 2006

Objective: to improve data regarding the underlying cause of deaths due to external causes, among the elderly (60 years and older) in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 2006. Methods: exploratory study based on probabilistic record linkage between Mortality Information System and Hospital Information System/National Unified Health System, databases, using Reclink method. Results: 15,804 pairs of records were identified as possible matches; concerning the distribution of specific categories of external causes, at first, events of undetermined intent were the main cause of deaths (55.9%); after record linkage, proportional mortalities due to transport accidents (21.5%; previously, 7.0%) and due to falls (27.4%; previously, 11.7%) represented un increase of almost three fold. Conclusion: the results indicate the possibility of improving information on mortality by means of a feasible methodology.