Abstract

HERNANDEZ SANCHEZ, Mariela et al. Accidental drowning and submersion: mortality in Cuba, 1987 - 2002. Rev Cubana Hig Epidemiol [online]. 2005, vol.43, n.1, pp. 0-0. ISSN 1561-3003.

The drownings and submersions are the third cause of accidental death in Cuba. In order to identify the behavior of mortality from this type of accident, a descriptive study of deaths resulting from drowning and submersion ocurred in Cuba from 1987 to 2002 was made. The sources of information were the databases of the National Division of Statistics of the Ministry of Public Health and the population estimates of the National Office of Statistics. The variables collected were: age, sex, cause of accident, province of residence and populations. The following indicators were calculated: mortality rates, standardized ratio of mortality and percentages. The mortality rates from accidental drowning and submersion in Cuba ranged from 3.4 x 100 000 inhabitants in 1987 to 2.8 in 2002. Santiago de Cuba, Las Tunas, Holguín and the Special Municipality of Isla de la Juventud had the highest rates. The youngest and the males were the most affected. All this shows the need to strengthen the measures to prevent this type of accident.

Keywords : Accidental drowning and submersion; mortality from accidents; accidents.