Infant mortality in Brazil from 2000 to 2020: a study of spatial and trend analysis

Abstract

Background The Infant Mortality Rate assesses the deaths occurring in children under one year of age and serves as an important health indicator in mapping the living conditions of a given society. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the epidemiological behavior of infant mortality in Brazil from 2000 to 2020, based on the most prevalent chapters of the International Classification of Diseases. Methods This is an ecological and retrospective study conducted using secondary data collection. The country of origin for the study is Brazil. The dependent variable of the study is infant mortality, specifically referring to children under one year of age. The independent variables include sex, color, and birth weight. The period analyzed spans from 2000 to 2020. The statistical processing was conducted using Joinpoint and GeoDa. Results The most prevalent chapters of infant mortality during the analyzed period were, respectively: (1) Chapter XVI - certain conditions originating in the perinatal period; (2) Chapter XVII - congenital malformations, deformities, and chromosomal anomalies; (3) Chapter I - certain infectious and parasitic diseases; (4) Chapter X - diseases of the respiratory system; (5) Chapter XX - external causes of morbidity and mortality. Conclusions Brazil has made progress over the years in public policies aimed at reducing infant mortality in the country, particularly through the consolidation and intensification of Primary Health Care coverage, which provides health promotion, protection, and recovery by identifying the main health risks and needs of each locality. However, addressing the health determinants that influence infant mortality requires actions that go beyond the health sector, necessitating a set of intersectoral strategies aimed at promoting health and well-being.