Errors in Data Reporting: In the Special Communication
entitled “Actual Causes of Death in the United States, 2000” published
in the March 10, 2004, issue of THE JOURNAL (2004;291:1238-1245),
there were multiple errors in reported data. On page 1238 in the Results section
of the Abstract, “(400 000 deaths; 16.6%)” should be “(365
000 deaths; 15.2%).” On page 1239, in the third column, in the first
paragraph, “23 (22.3%)” should be “23 (22.03%).” On
page 1240, in Table 2, “400 000 (16.6)” deaths for “poor
diet and physical inactivity” in 2000 should be “365 000 (15.2).”
A dagger symbol should be added to “alcohol consumption” in the
body of the table and a dagger footnote should be added with “In 1990
data, deaths from alcohol-related crashes are included in alcohol consumption
deaths, but not in motor vehicle deaths. In 2000 data, 16 653 deaths from
alcohol-related crashes are included in both alcohol consumption and motor
vehicle death categories.” Also on page 1240, third column, fifth paragraph,
“18 539 deaths” should be “19 358 deaths.” On page
1241, first column, first paragraph, “69 989 deaths” should be
“70 808 deaths.” On page 1242, first column, first paragraph,
“remaining 270 deaths” should be “remaining 359 deaths”
and in the second paragraph, “resulted in 14 578 deaths” should
be “resulted in 14 478 deaths.” Also on page 1242, third column,
second paragraph, “roughly 400 000 deaths” should be “roughly
365 000 deaths.”