Evitable mortality in Santander, 1997-2003

Avoidable mortality is an important analysis in publichealth. This paper presents the analysis of avoidable mortality between 1997-2003 in Santander aiming to guide the health policiesin the state. Methods: Descriptive, longitudinal and retrospectiveanalysis of avoidable mortality in Santander 1997-2003 based onthe mortality records of the National Department of Statisitcs andtaking as reference the clasification of Taucher. Mortality ratesfor avoidability group, year and provice were calculated and themedian rates were plotted in maps for each group. Sex and agespecific rates and potencially lost years of life were calculated for2003 data. Results: In Santander 35% of deaths were avoidablebetween 1997-2003. The groups with the highest median rateswere: accidents, poisoning and violence (F), preventable diseases ininfants (E) and preventable disease with early diagnosis or treatment(B). The general ratio man:woman was 2:1 but 4:1 in the group F.Carare-Opón and Soto Norte were the provinces with the highestburden of avoidable mortality. Conclusions: There is an inequityin the way how the avoidable mortality affects the population. Thedata suggest to review the quality of the promotion and preventionprogramms and to continue the action against violence in Santander