Anos potenciais de vida perdidos em vítimas de morte por causas externas

This study explores the relevance of mortality from external causes, the third leading cause of death in the general population, and its social and economic impact. Using the indicator Potential Years of Life Lost, the research provides support for the formulation of public health policies and more efficient management of budgetary resources. The present work aims to analyze the Potential Years of Life Lost in the health microregion of the municipality of Jequié, Bahia, Brazil, as well as to outline the epidemiological profile of victims of death due to external causes of intentional violence (suicides and homicides). This is a descriptive, documentary, cross-sectional and retrospective research, with a quantitative approach, which covers fatal victims of intentional external causes in the period from 2015 to 2020 in the aforementioned municipality. Data collection was carried out at the Legal Medical Institute of Jequié, Bahia, and in death certificate records for the mentioned period, using a sequentially numbered form, specially designed for this purpose. The results indicated a significant increase in potential years of life lost during the period studied, with a higher concentration of deaths among young people aged 20 to 29, especially black males. The main cause of death was the use of firearms. In short, the results of the study reveal similarities with national averages and highlight the need to discuss the risks to the most vulnerable population, as well as to guide public health and safety policies.