Mortality in survivors of torture ad prison during the chilean dictatorship between 1973 and 1990

Abstract

Background: Studies on the long-term consequences of torture in survivors in Chile have only addressed the consequences for mental health, leaving aside the physical consequences. Aim: To report the causes of death in the universe of victims of the Chilean civic-military dictatorship recognized by the Reports of the National Commission for Political Prison and Torture (CNPPT) and the Advisory Commission for the qualification of Disappeared Detainees, Politically Executed individuals and Victims of Political Prison and Torture. Material and Methods: The causes of death, age at the time of death, sex, political context of death and opportunity of repair up to June 2016 are described in 38,254 victims of the Chilean civic-military dictatorship. Results: Of the universe of 38,254 victims, 9,152 (23.9%) died until June 2016. The median age at death was 68 years. The main causes of death were malignant tumors in 28%, cardiovascular diseases in 27%, respiratory diseases in 10%, digestive diseases in 9% and external causes in 8%. Conclusions: These results can inform prevention and treatment strategies for victims of the Chilean dictatorship.