[Validity of the municipality of residence in mortality statistics: findings based on municipality census update in 2 municipalities of the Valencian community].

This study was designed to assess the validity of the variable "city of residence" in mortality statistics in relation to the information available in municipal census. Monthly record-linkages between mortality register and two municipal population census corresponding to the period 1991-1992 have been studied. The population census belong to Benidorm, an important Spanish coastal tourist centre, and Alcoi, a traditional industrial city. Results show that of those listed in the Alcoi mortality statistics (602 deaths), 83% were registered in its municipal population census. In Benidorm (282 deaths), this percentage was 54%; in this last city, having a private address (in contrast with hotel, apartment or clinic address...) was positively related with being registered (66.2% versus 8.8%). Likewise, deceased with Spanish names were in more likely to be registered names in municipal population census: 70.2% versus 11.9%, respectively. The evidence obtained shows that tourist area mortality statistics could be unreliable due to the incorrect reporting of the city of residence on the death certificate, and suggests actions to improve it, which should take into account the town authorities and funeral services.