Mortality from external causes among young and adult individuals in the state of Paraná, from 2012 to 2022

Abstract

Objective: To analyze mortality from external causes among young and adult individuals in the state of Paraná, Brazil, from 2012 to 2022. Methods: This observational, descriptive, retrospective study used secondary data from the Mortality Information System. Deaths from external causes (ICD-10: V01–Y98) among individuals aged 20 to 59 years residing in Paraná were included. Sociodemographic characteristics, cause groups, and mortality indicators were analyzed using absolute and relative frequencies, mortality rates per 100,000 inhabitants, and proportional mortality. Results: During the study period, 63,494 deaths from external causes were recorded in the analyzed age group, accounting for 64.3% of all external cause deaths in the state. Most deaths occurred among males (86.6%) and individuals aged 20–29 years (35.0%). Traffic accidents and assaults were the leading causes and showed a decreasing trend. In contrast, deaths from intentional self-harm increased substantially over time. Conclusion: External causes remain a major public health challenge in Paraná, particularly due to the growing trend of deaths from intentional self-harm. The findings reinforce the need for intersectoral prevention strategies focused on traffic safety, violence reduction, and mental health promotion.