Mortality due to external causes of undetermined intent in the Brazilian regions, 2012 to 2021

This descriptive study aimed to analyze mortality from External Causes of Undetermined Intent (ECUI) in Brazil and the Brazilian regions. It included all deaths from external causes recorded in the Mortality Information System between 2012 and 2021. The proportions and percentage variation of each group of causes were calculated, and the trend of the proportions of ECUI was analyzed using the Prais-Winsten method. In Brazil, between 2012 and 2021, deaths from ECUI accounted for 7.8% of external causes. The highest proportions were found in the Southeast (12.9%) and Northeast (7.2%), with an increase from 2019 onwards in all regions of the country. The most significant variation in the percentage of deaths from ECUI in the period was found in the Midwest (124.4%), followed by the Southeast (69.4%). As in Brazil, these regions showed an increase in the proportions of annual deaths from ECUI, while the trend was stable in the other regions. Considering the relevance of information for undertaking actions to prevent accidents and violence, the results of this study point to the need to improve the Mortality Information System data on deaths from external causes and implement more effective strategies in some Brazilian regions.