External Mortality in Belgium from 1886 to 2016

In this research, we analyse temporal trends in external mortality by gender using the Belgian statistics of causes of death. Nowadays, external death accounts for about 6% of total deaths in Belgium, with a male disadvantage for all three main types of fatal injury (homicide, suicide and accidents). Yet, no previous research in Belgium has explored how gender inequalities in external mortality rates have evolved over a long period of time, and it is not known which causes of injury have contributed decisively to these disparities. From 1886, Belgian statistics on causes of death provide the annual number of external deaths with details on type of fatal injury and their mechanisms (fall, firearm, sharp object, electricity, etc.) by geographical area and gender. Using descriptive analyses, we compare the relative contribution of causes of homicide, suicide and accidents to mortality trends by gender in Belgium from the end of the 19th century to the present day. Main challenges regarding data collection will be discussed. Past and recent trends are interpreted in the light of societal changes and technological advances made through the last centuries