Reducing “Unknown” Data in Violent Death Surveillance: A Study of Death Certificates,Coroner/Medical Examiner and Police Reports From the National Violent Death Reporting System,2003-2004

Abstract

To better understand the determinants of violent deaths, researchers need surveillance systems that include a broad spectrum of information (e.g., victim demographics, event characteristics [date/location of death] and preceding circumstances). Missing information can limit the ability to develop preventive interventions.This study examines the value of using multiple source documents (i.e., death certificates, coroner/medical examiner reports, and police reports) to reduce missing or “unknown” data on violent deaths. When all sources are accessible, more sources should reduce the amount of unknown data. This study finds this to be true only for certain variables, that is, those capturing preceding circumstances.

Keywords

surveillance homicide suicide violent death surveillance

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