Investigación internacional colaborativa sobre mortalidad / International collaborative research on mortality

ABSTRACT

Before mortality data can serve as reliable bases for international epidemiological studies there are difficulties of terminology, nosology and language to be overcome. The Inter-American Investigation of Mortality is a large-scale collaborative research project specifically designed to circumvent these obstacles and to yield death rates by causes which will be as accurate and comparable as possible. Twelve widely separated cities are participating in the Investigation by following standard procedures. Approximately 4,000 deaths at ages 15-74 years are being individually studies over a two-year period in each city. All available data relevant to establishing the nature of the fatal conditions are systematically assembled by a local team. Central review including referral to two medical referees ensures assignment of cause of death in accordance with established international practice. By providing accurate and comparable age-specific death rates by causes (with particular emphasis on heart disease and cancer) for highly diverse populations the Investigation will indicate those areas where further epidemiological research may be profitably developed. In addition, information of value will be obtained for disease prevention, for administration of medical services and for the improvement of health statistics