Undetermined Manner of Death

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To better understand variations in classification of deaths of undetermined intent among states in the National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS). DESIGN: Data from the NVDRS and the National Vital Statistics System were used to compare differences among states. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Percentages of deaths assigned undetermined intent, rates of deaths of undetermined intent, rates of fatal poisonings broken down by cause of death, composition of poison types within the undetermined-intent classification. RESULTS: Three states within NVDRS (Maryland, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island) evidenced increased numbers of deaths of undetermined intent. These same states exhibited high rates of undetermined death and, more specifically, high rates of undetermined poisoning deaths. Further, these three states evidenced correspondingly lower rates of unintentional poisonings. The types of undetermined poisonings present in these states, but not present in other states, are typically the result of a combination of recreational drugs, alcohol, or prescription drugs. CONCLUSIONS:...