QUALITY EVALUATION OF THE SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM FOR DEATHS FROM CHAGAS DISEASE IN CEARÁ, 2013-2022

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the mortality surveillance system for Chagas Disease (CD). CD is caused by Trypanosoma cruzi and transmitted by triatomines, affecting about 6 million people worldwide, the majority of whom are in Latin America. In Brazil, CD poses significant proportions with a high burden of morbidity and mortality. This was an evaluative study, using secondary data information collected from the Mortality Information System (SIM), available on DATASUS. Method: According to CDC guidelines, the quality of data (completeness and consistency) was analyzed, followed by representativeness. Results: The results showed a final completeness average ranging from 90.5% to 100.0%, which indicates excellent quality for gender, age group, and race, and good quality for education. Consistency was assessed as regular for the occupation field; very poor for deaths in public places and regular for deaths occurring at home. There was high representativeness in the variables of time, person, and place. Final Considerations: The data regarding the completeness of the SIM were deemed adequate and representative; however, there are gaps concerning the consistency of the system regarding deaths with the underlying cause of Chagas disease.