[Male mortality due to external causes in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil]

A descriptive study of a time series seeking to assess mortality due to external causes in males in the State of Minas Gerais was conducted in the period from 1999 to 2008, duly identifying the behavior of this group of causes throughout the time series. Data were obtained about the male population resident in the State of Minas Gerais recorded in the Unified Health System (SUS). Mortality rates per 100,000 inhabitants, divided by age group and specific cause were calculated. A simple linear regression model was used to check the trends of male deaths during the study period. An increase in male mortality in all years of the study period was found, rising from 82.7 deaths per 100,000 in 1999 to 95.7 deaths per 100,000 in 2008, representing a 15.7% increase in the risk of death due to external causes. Young male adults (20-39 years) accounted for the majority of deaths due to external causes. In relation to traffic accidents, there was an increase in mortality rates, especially between 2000 and 2007. The rates of suicide and homicide also rose in the period. In conclusion, it is necessary to adopt preventive measures, since men are prone to death due to external causes, in order to contribute to the inclusion of specific aspects into educational programs geared to reverse this trend.