Death statistics by the cause of death reflect the health aspect of demographic flow. These statistics are carried out according to criteria established by the WHO in the ICD.
In this classification, it is recommended that the cause of death must be investigated and tabulated, such as defining the disease or lesion that starts a chain of pathological events. When the cause is trauma, the events surrounding the accident or act of violence leading to the fatal injury are regarded as the basic cause.

Specifically, this set or chain of diseases is what the death certifying doctor should supply in the statistical bulletin. Based on these causes, designated by the WHO as immediate, intermediate, fundamental and other processes, following international guidelines, the selection of the basic cause will be determined.

Data on causes of death is collected in three statistical questionnaire models: Medical Death Certificate/Statistical Death Register (CMD/BED), Judicial Statistical Death Register (BEDJ) and Statistical Bulletin of Infants who died within 24 hours (BEP). The first one collects data on deaths due to natural causes, without requiring the intervention of a judge, whereas the second one is directed at obtaining information on deaths due to causes requiring judicial intervention, since there are signs of a possible accidental or violent cause; both contain data on deaths among those who have lived more than 24 hours. Deaths occurring within 24 hours of life are collected in the BEP.