Mortality and years of life lost by interpersonal violence and self-harm: in Brazil and Brazilian states: analysis of the estimates of the Global Burden of Disease Study, 1990 and 2015

Abstract

Objective:: To analyze mortality and years of life lost due to death or disability (disability-adjusted life years - DALYs) for interpersonal violence and self-harm, comparing 1990 and 2015, in Brazil and Federated Units, using estimates produced by the Global Burden of Disease 2015 (GBD 2015).

Methods:: Secondary data analysis of estimates from the GBD 2015, producing standardized death rates and years of life lost due to death or disability. The main source of death data was the Mortality Information System, submitted to correction of underreporting of deaths and redistribution of garbage codes.

Results:: From 1990 to 2015, homicide mortality rates were stable, with a percentage variation of -0.9%, from 28.3/100 thousand inhabitants (95% UI 26.9-32.1) in 1990 to 27.8/100,000 (95% UI 24.3-29.8) in 2015. Homicide rates were higher in Alagoas and Pernambuco, and there was a reduction in São Paulo (-40.9%). Suicide rates decreased by 19%, from 8.1/100,000 (95% UI 7.5-8.6) in 1990 to 6.6/100,000 (95% UI 6.1-7,9) in 2015. Higher rates were found in Rio Grande do Sul. In the ranking of external causes for years of life lost due to death or disability (DALYs), firearm aggression predominated, followed by transportation accidents; self-inflicted injuries were in sixth place.

Conclusions:: The study shows the importance of external causes among young people and men as a cause of premature death and disabilities, which is a priority problem in the country. The Global Burden of Disease study may support public policies for violence prevention.