Incompletude dos óbitos por esquistossomose no sistema de informação sobre mortalidade em Pernambuco, 2000-2014

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the incompleteness of death records due to schistosomiasis in the Mortality Information System (SIM) in Pernambuco, from 2000 to 2014, and to analyze medical knowledge about completing the death certificate (DO). Secondary data were obtained through SIM, and primary data from physicians’ evaluation in public hospitals in Pernambuco. Incomplete scores and percentage variations (2000-2007, 2008-2014) were evaluated; and relative frequencies of medical knowledge about DO. In 2000-2014, there were 2636 deaths from schistosomiasis in PE. In 2000-2007 ‘home address’ obtained the highest incompleteness. In 2008-2014 ‘naturalness’ demonstrated the worst incompleteness. Of the 32 physicians, 71.9% reported non-completion of variables due to lack of information about the patient, 62.5% did not participate in a course on filling in the DO, 80.6% thought the course was necessary. There was an association between the causes of non-completion of DO and the desire for training. In the study period, the incompleteness of important variables was reduced, but there was a significant increase in the incompleteness of ‘naturalness’, which distorts the information about autochthonous where the case occurred. Physicians’ justification – lacking information to fill in the DO variable – is inconsistent, because they are responsible for capturing the information. Such gaps, hinder the planning of actions and public policies directed to the control of the disease.