Uses and Significance of Multiple Cause Tabulations for Mortality Statistics

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
This paper points out the shortcomings of the present basis for compiling mortality statistics where a single disease or condition is selected for tabultation. Data are presented to show the gross understatements of diagnostic data now being reflected by official mortality statistics. It is proposed that the present mortality tabulations be supplemented by two additional types of tabulations. The first of these is designed to show the number of deaths where the disease or condition was involved, but not selected as the underlying cause of death. The second relates to the frequency with which each diagnosis was recorded as an associated or contributory cause of death. The multiple coding of diagnoses which these suggestions involve will maximize the use of available diagnostic information on death certificates. These data are needed to serve the purposes of the future.

This publication has 0 references indexed in Scilit: