The present study examined a total of 9,137 violent deaths that occurred among the resident population of the Municipality of São Paulo in 1999. The authors analyzed all violent deaths that occurred within the Municipality and that were registered in the Program for Improvement of Death Information (PRO-AIM) data set. The objective of the present study was to analyze these mortality data from the epidemiological point of view, according to the underlying causes of death and individual characteristics, and to compare them with information from approximately 40 years ago. The results showed the relevance of violent deaths in São Paulo, which accounted for 14.2% of 1999's total death toll. Violent mortality death rates (per 100,000) were 92.1 for both sexes; 166.4 for males and 22.8 for females. The male/female ratio was 7.3, varying according to age groups and specific causes of death. The 15-39 age group showed the highest number of violent deaths; but, in addition to young adults, the elderly (70 years of age and older) also presented high rates. Homicides accounted for 64.6% of total violent deaths. Motor vehicle accidents were responsible for 14.7%, while "other accidents," accounted for 11.8% of deaths, suicides for 4.8%, and "unspecified" external causes for 4.0%. The motor vehicle accident death rate was 13.6 (per 100,000). Pedestrian injuries accounted for 52.6% of these deaths. Motor vehicle collisions were responsible for the higher rates among young adults, while pedestrian injuries were more significant in the group aged 65 years and older. The homicide death rate was 59.4 (per 100,000) for both sexes, 114.3 for males and 8.3 for females. The main victims were males aged 15-24 years. Violent mortality rates showed a 90.0% increase from 1960 to 1999. Motor vehicle accidents were responsible for the increase up to 1975, while homicides became more significant during the '80s. Homicides presented a 906.8% rise in that period, especially among young people (aged 10 to 24years).
Mortality; Violence; Homicide; Traffic accidents; Epidemiology
