Mortality In Brazil Research Articles

Ethno-racial inequalities on adverse birth and neonatal outcomes: a nationwide, retrospective cohort study of 21 million Brazilian newborns

Ethno-racial inequalities are critical determinants of health outcomes. We quantified ethnic-racial inequalities on adverse birth outcomes and early neonatal mortality in Brazil. We conducted a cohort study in Brazil using administrative linked data between 2012 and 2019. Estimated the attributable fractions for the entire population (PAF) and specific groups (AF), as the proportion of each adverse outcome that would have been avoided if all women had the same baseline conditions as White women, both unadjusted and adjusted for socioeconomics and maternal risk factors. AF was also calculated by comparing women from each maternal race/skin colour group in different groups of mothers' schooling, with White women with 8 or more years of education as the reference group and by year. 21,261,936 newborns were studied. If all women experienced the same rate as White women, 1.7% of preterm births, 7.2% of low birth weight (LBW), 10.8% of small for gestational age (SGA) and 11.8% of early neonatal deaths would have been prevented. Percentages preventable were higher among Indigenous (22.2% of preterm births, 17.9% of LBW, 20.5% of SGA and 19.6% of early neonatal deaths) and Black women (6% of preterm births, 21.4% of LBW, 22.8% of SGA births and 20.1% of early neonatal deaths). AF was higher in groups with fewer years of education among Indigenous, Black and Parda for all outcomes. AF increased over time, especially among Indigenous populations. A considerable portion of adverse birth outcomes and neonatal deaths could be avoided if ethnic-racial inequalities were non-existent in Brazil. Acting on the causes of these inequalities must be central in maternal and child health policies. Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Wellcome Trust.

Deciphering Trends in Cancer Mortality: A Comprehensive Analysis of Brazilian Data From 1979 to 2021 With Emphasis on Breast and Prostate Cancers.

This study examined cancer mortality trends in Brazil from 1979 to 2021, emphasizing breast and prostate cancers. Utilizing data from the Brazilian Mortality Information System and the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics, it analyzed cancer deaths nationally and regionally, highlighting gender-specific and regional disparities. The research finds that cancer death rates have been growing at an average of 12% per year, contrasting with the population growth rate of 2.2%. This trend is more pronounced in the southern and southeastern regions of Brazil. A comparison of cancer mortality rates between Brazil, the USA, and China reveals that while the Brazilian and Chinese rates exhibit slower growth, the US rate shows a continuous decline since the 1990s. The study adopts a novel approach by focusing on growth rates and employing polynomial interpolation, revealing a deceleration in cancer death growth over the last 15 years across all malignant neoplasms. The study also contextualizes these findings within Brazil's cancer control policies, tracing the evolution of preventive measures and treatment advancements. It highlights the significant role of the National Cancer Institute and the Unified Health System in implementing effective strategies. The decreasing trend in cancer mortality rates in Brazil, despite population growth, illustrates the effectiveness of comprehensive cancer control and prevention measures, underlining their importance in public health policy.

Learning Curve for In-Hospital Mortality of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: Insights from the Brazilian National Registry.

Robust data on the learning curve (LC) of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) are lacking in developing countries. To assess TAVR's LC in Brazil over time. We analyzed data from the Brazilian TAVR registry from 2008 to 2023. Patients from each center were numbered chronologically in case sequence numbers (CSNs). LC was performed using restricted cubic splines adjusted for EuroSCORE-II and the use of new-generation prostheses. Also, in-hospital outcomes were compared between groups defined according to the level of experience based on the CSN: 1st to 40th (initial-experience), 41st to 80th (early-experience), 81st to 120th (intermediate-experience), and over 121st (high-experience). Additional analysis was performed grouping hospitals according to the number of cases treated before 2014 (>40 and ≤40 procedures). The level of significance adopted was <0.05. A total of 3,194 patients from 25 centers were included. Mean age and EuroSCORE II were 80.7±8.1 years and 7±7.1, respectively. LC analysis demonstrated a drop in adjusted in-hospital mortality after treating 40 patients. A leveling off of the curve was observed after case #118. In-hospital mortality across the groups was 8.6%, 7.7%, 5.9%, and 3.7% for initial-, early-, intermediate-, and high-experience, respectively (p<0.001). High experience independently predicted lower mortality (OR 0.57, p=0.013 vs. initial experience). Low-volume centers before 2014 showed no significant decrease in the likelihood of death with gained experience, whereas high-volume centers had a continuous improvement after case #10. A TAVR LC phenomenon was observed for in-hospital mortality in Brazil. This effect was more pronounced in centers that treated their first 40 cases before 2014 than those that reached this milestone after 2014.

Modeling the potential impact of a sugar-sweetened beverage tax on ischemic heart disease and stroke in Brazil.

A high intake of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) is associated with the risk of several chronic diseases, including ischemic heart disease (IHD) and stroke. This study aimed to model the impact of a 20% tax on all SSBs for IHD and stroke among Brazilian adults. This was an ex-ante risk comparative study. The model applied a 20% tax on SSBs and projected the incidence, prevalence and mortality of IHD and stroke over a 20-year period (2019-39). Using data on consumption, previously published cross- and own-price elasticities of SSBs, and relative risk, we estimated changes in IHD and stroke burden. Our model predicts that a 20% SSB tax may reduce new cases of IHD by ~13%, especially among women, and avert ~8% of the deaths attributable to IHD over 20years. These results represent a decrease of 19 543 new cases and 8466 and 7274 fewer deaths in the period for men and women, respectively. Estimates of reduction in incidence, prevalence and deaths from stroke were not significant over 20years. Even under conservative assumptions, our study found that a small reduction in SSB consumption led to a substantial decrease in IHD incidence and mortality in Brazil.

RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF ESOPHAGEAL CANCER MORTALITY IN BRAZIL (1998-2022): Gender disparities, ethnic contrasts, temporal dynamics, and regional variations

Introduction: The esophageal cancer is derived from numerous dysplastic mutations usually located in the most distal portion of the esophagus, and is an aggressive neoplasm with a low survival rate. Environmental factors and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are the main precursors of this pathology, and its risk factors include males aged over 50, obesity, smoking and alcohol consumption. Its diagnosis can be made through upper digestive endoscopy (UDE). Methodology: Data was collected from the Mortality Information System (SIM) from 1998 to 2022 in order to analyse the evolution of esophageal cancer mortality and compare demographic, temporal and regional trends in esophageal malignant neoplasm mortality in Brazil. Results and discussion: There has been an increase in mortality over time, with a predominance of Caucasians and males in all races. The southeast and south regions have the highest incidence and mortality rates. The disparity between the sexes is attributed to men's greater exposure to smoking and alcohol. In the South, the consumption of mate is highlighted as a significant risk factor, and its higher incidence in white people is explained by the high proportion of elderly people in this region, as esophageal cancer is more common in the elderly due to prolonged exposure to carcinogens. Conclusion: The scientific analysis carried out provides mortality trends in Brazil with regard to esophageal cancer and allows these data to be correlated with the ethnic groups, sexes and regions most affected. Finally, the study highlights the importance of environmental factors in causing this pathology, indicating public health interventions mainly in the South and Southeast regions in order to reduce mortality figures.

Social determinants of gastrointestinal malformation mortality in Brazil: a national study

IntroductionIn Brazil, approximately 5% are born with a congenital disorder, potentially fatal without surgery. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between gastrointestinal congenital malformation (GICM) mortality, health indicators, and...

Persistent high mortality rates for Diabetes Mellitus and Hypertension after excluding deaths associated with COVID-19 in Brazil, 2020-2022.

The outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) posed a significant public health challenge globally, with Brazil being no exception. Excess mortality during this period reached alarming levels. Cardiovascular diseases (CVD), Systemic Hypertension (HTN), and Diabetes Mellitus (DM) were associated with increased mortality. However, the specific impact of DM and HTN on mortality during the pandemic remains poorly understood. This study analyzed mortality data from Brazil's mortality system, covering the period from 2015 to 2022. Data included all causes of death as listed on death certificates, categorized by International Classification of Diseases 10th edition (ICD-10) codes. Population data were obtained from the Brazilian Census. Mortality ratios (MRs) were calculated by comparing death rates in 2020, 2021, and 2022 to the average rates from 2015 to 2019. Adjusted MRs were calculated using Poisson models. Between 2015 and 2022, Brazil recorded a total of 11,423,288 deaths. Death rates remained relatively stable until 2019 but experienced a sharp increase in 2020 and 2021. In 2022, although a decrease was observed, it did not return to pre-pandemic levels. This trend persisted even when analyzing records mentioning DM, HTN, or CVD. Excluding death certificates mentioning COVID-19 codes, the trends still showed increases from 2020 through 2022, though less pronounced. This study highlights the persistent high mortality rates for DM and HTN in Brazil during the years 2020-2022, even after excluding deaths associated with COVID-19. These findings emphasize the need for continued attention to managing and preventing DM and HTN as part of public health strategies, both during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. There are complex interactions between these conditions and the pandemic's impact on mortality rates.

Abstract PO5-09-12: Unraveling the Intricacies of Racial Disparities in Breast Cancer in Brazil

Abstract Abstract Background: Over the past three decades, numerous countries have experienced a substantial decrease in breast cancer (BC) fatality, attributed to heightened consciousness, widened and earlier screening, and enhanced therapeutic interventions. However, these advancements have not eradicated the disparity in BC treatment across different racial and ethnic groups. In Brazil, the causes of these disparities are diverse and intricate, resembling health inequalities among ethnic communities observed in other countries. This study aimed to investigate the trends in BC incidence and mortality rates in Brazil, considering clinicopathological and sociodemographic variations, and placing particular emphasis on the severity of racial disparity concerning race/skin color. Patients and methods: Incidence trends for women with BC were analyzed using data from 13 Brazilian Population-Based Cancer Registries covering the period 2010-2015. Crude incidence ratios (CIRs) and the annual average percent change (AAPC) were calculated. Clinical and sociodemographic information from 348 Hospital-Based Cancer Registries spanning from 2000 to 2019 was also utilized. Meanwhile, mortality data for the years 2000-2020 were obtained from the National Mortality Information System. Racial and skin color data were collected through a self-declaration process, following the classification proposed by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics, which included categories such as white, black, and brown/mixed race. In the analysis, black and brown/mixed race categories were combined as black. Yellow and indigenous categories were excluded. Statistical significance was defined as a p-value less than 0.05. To determine clinically relevant differences, a threshold of more than 5% disparity in proportional values was used as an arbitrary criterion. Results: Between 2010 and 2015, a total of 70,896 newly diagnosed cases of BC were recorded. Mean CIRs were 83.9/100,000 for the overall population, 101.3/100,000 for white women, and 59.7/100,000 for black women. Neither the group of white women (AAPC -1.7; 95% CI: -7.9 to 4.9; p = 0.506) nor the group of black women (AAPC -0.4; 95% CI: -5.0 to 4.5; p = 0.831) exhibited any significant changes in the incidence rate. Black women predominantly originated from underdeveloped regions (56.4%, p &amp;lt; 0.001), were referred by the public healthcare system in Brazil (79.0%, p &amp;lt; 0.001), had ≤ 8 years of schooling (68.7%, p &amp;lt; 0.001), were unmarried (50.9%, p&amp;lt; 0.001), reported alcohol consumption (20.9%, p &amp;lt; 0.001), and were diagnosed with advanced stage disease (60.1%, p &amp;lt; 0.001). The escalation in mortality rates among black women exhibited a notable difference, amounting to 3.8 times the increase observed among white women (AAPC + 2.3; 95% CI: 2.1 to 2.5; p &amp;lt; 0.001) (AAPC + 0.6; 95% CI: 0.5 to 0.7; p &amp;lt; 0.001). Conclusion: Despite the lower incidence of BC in black women compared to their white counterparts, there is a concerning rise in BC-related mortality rates among black women. This group exhibits a significantly unfavorable sociodemographic and clinicopathological profile. These results highlight the pressing need to address the multifaceted factors contributing to these disparities, encompassing socioeconomic disparities and unequal healthcare access. Keywords: Breast cancer; racial disparities; incidence; mortality. Citation Format: Jesse Lopes da Silva, Andreia Cristina De Melo, Mariana Espirito Santo Rodrigues, Lucas Zanetti de Albuquerque, Luiz Claudio Santos Thuler. Unraveling the Intricacies of Racial Disparities in Breast Cancer in Brazil [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO5-09-12.

Structure and process in primary health care for children and spatial distribution of infant mortality.

To identify the spatial patterns of the quality of the structure of primary health care services and the teams' work process and their effects on infant mortality in Brazil. An ecological study of spatial aggregates, using the 5,570 municipalities in Brazil as the unit of analysis. Secondary databases from the Programa Nacional de Melhoria do Acesso e Qualidade da Atenção Básica (PMAQ-AB - National Program for Improving Access and Quality of Primary Care), the Mortality Information System (SIM), and the Live Birth Information System (SINASC) were used. In 2018, the infant mortality rate was the outcome of the study, and the exposure variables were the proportion of basic health units (BHU) with adequate structure and work processes. Global and local Moran's indices were used to evaluate the degree of dependence and spatial autocorrelation. Spatial linear regression was used for data analysis. In 2018, in Brazil, the infant mortality rate was 12.4/1,000 live births, ranging from 10.6/1,000 and 11.2/1,000 in the South and Southeast, respectively, to 14.1/1,000 and 14.5/1,000 in the Northeast and North regions, respectively. The proportion of teams with an adequate work process (β = -3.13) and the proportion of basic health units with an adequate structure (β = -0.34) were associated with a reduction in the infant mortality rate. Spatial autocorrelation was observed between smoothed mean infant mortality rates and indicators of the structure of primary health care services and the team's work process, with higher values in the North and Northeast of Brazil. There is a relationship between the structure of primary health care services and the teams' work process with the infant mortality rate. In this sense, investment in the qualification of health care within the scope of primary health care can have an impact on reducing the infant mortality rate and improving child health care.

Pericardial Diseases Mortality Trends in Brazil From 2000 to 2022.

Background Pericardial diseases manifest in various clinical forms, including acute pericarditis, constrictive pericarditis, pericardial effusion, and cardiac tamponade, with acute pericarditis being the most prevalent. These conditions significantly contribute to mortality rates. Therefore, this article aimed to analyze mortality trends in the Brazilian population based on age and sex, shedding light on the impact of pericardial diseases on public health outcomes. Methods This is a retrospective time-series analysis of pericardial disease mortality rates in Brazil (2000-2022). Data was obtained from the Department of Informatics of the Unified Health System (DATASUS), and the 10th edition of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) codes: I30, I31, and I32 were included for analysis. We gathered population and demographic data categorized by age range and sex from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). Subsequently, we computed the age-standardized mortality rate per 100,000 individuals and assessed the annual percentage changes (APCs) and average annual percentage changes (AAPCs) using joinpoint regression, along with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results In terms of mortality trends based on sex, overall mortality rates remained stable for males and combined sexes over the study period. However, there was a notable increase in mortality rates among females (AAPC=1.18), particularly between 2020 and 2022, with a significant APC of 27.55. Analyzing pericardial diseases across different age groups (20 to 80 years and above), it wasobserved that mortality rates significantly increased in the 70-79 and 80 years and above age groups throughout the study period (AAPC=1.0339 and AAPC=3.4587, respectively). These two age groups experienced the highest significant rise in mortality between 2020 and 2022. Other age groups did not exhibit a significant change in AAPC. Conclusions This comprehensive analysis spanning two decades (2000-2022), examined the mortality trends of pericardial diseases in Brazil and revealed relative stability overall. Males exhibited an overall higher mortality number due to pericardial diseases; however, females showed the most significant increase in mortality trend throughout the whole period. In the first segment (2000-2015), mortality rose across all cohorts, which was attributed to substandard healthcare facilities and infectious diseases like tuberculosis. The second segment (2016-2020) saw a decline in mortality, likely due to improved healthcare, particularly the increased availability of echocardiograms. However, the third segment (2020-2022) witnessed a sharp rise in mortality, coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic, with post-COVID-19 symptoms, particularly pericarditis. Pericarditis-related death rates declined compared to pericardial effusion, and mortality rates correlated directly with age, with older cohorts experiencing higher mortality due to increased comorbidities, and decline in health and immunocompetency.

Ischemic heart disease-related mortality in Brazil, 2006 to 2020. A study of multiple causes of death

ContextBoth the aging of the population and the increase in noncommunicable diseases may influence the progression and outcomes culminating in death, changing the evolution of ischemic heart diseases (IHDs) and their associated causes. Using the multiple causes of death method could help understand the magnitude of these relationships and enable better targeting of investments in health.ObjectivesTo evaluate the mortality from IHD in Brazil between 2006 and 2020 using the method of multiple causes and identify differences in the distribution pattern of IHD mortality by sex and geographic region.MethodsBased on information extracted from death certificates (DCs) obtained from the database of the Department of Informatics of the Unified Health System (DATASUS), we used the multiple causes method to analyze the causes of death associated with IHD when IHD was defined as the underlying cause of death (UC) and the causes of death listed as the UC when IHD was recorded in any other lines of the DC, from 2006 to 2020, in Brazil. Subsequently, the proportion of these causes of death and differences between sexes and geographic regions were evaluated, with statistical relevance analyzed using the chi-square test, and the dependence between factors illustrated using stacked bar charts and small-world network graphs.ResultsWhen IHD was listed as the UC of death, the most frequent associated causes of death were, in descending order of frequency, acute myocardial infarction (AMI), arterial hypertension (AH), chronic ischemic heart disease (CHID), heart failure (HF), and diabetes mellitus (DM). When IHD was mentioned in any line of the DC, the most frequent UCs of death were AMI followed by DM, CIHD, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), stroke, dyslipidemia, and, in the year 2020, COVID-19. The most frequent cause of death in women were DM as the UC and associated cause of death, AH as the UC, and CIHD and Alzheimer's disease as associated causes of death, while the most frequent causes of death in men were substance dependence as the UC and associated cause of death, and cancer as an associated cause of death. The most frequent causes of death were DM and stroke in the North and Northeast, dyslipidemia and obesity in the Midwest, Alzheimer's disease in the South and Southeast, and atherosclerotic heart disease (AHD) and COPD in the South.ConclusionsSeveral diseases – including AMI, AH, CIHD, HF, and DM – were the most frequent associated causes of death when IHD was recorded as the UC. In contrast, AMI, DM, CIHD, COPD, and stroke were the most frequent UCs when IHD was listed as an associated cause of death. The degree of these associations varied between sexes and geographic regions.

Penile Cancer Mortality in Brazil: Are We Making Progress?

This study aims to analyze the trends in mortality rates from penile cancer (PeC) and the treatment modalities adopted in Brazil over recent years. Death records for PeC cases (International Classification of Diseases, version 10 C60) and treatment modalities were extracted from the DATASUS database. A joinpoint regression analysis was conducted to examine the data. A total of 7,848 deaths due to PeC were recorded in Brazil between 1996 and 2020. Increasing mortality trends were observed, with an average annual percentage change (AAPC) of 0.91 (0.6-1.2; P < .001). The North and Northeast regions had the highest age-standardized mortality rates (ASMRs) and AAPCs. From 2008 to 2020, the ASMR in the Northeast region remained stable, whereas the North region surpassed it. The Southeast region exhibited a significant downward trend, with an AAPC of -0.91 (-1.3 to -0.5; P < .001). Penile biopsies declined and were more frequent in the southeastern region. A total of 8,498 penile amputations were performed, with 39.4% and 29.1% conducted in the Southeast and Northeast regions, respectively. Brazil has experienced increasing mortality trends in PeC over the past 2 decades. Low schooling, married, and young men from the North or Northeast regions represent the majority of deaths. Urgent efforts are needed to enhance the diagnosis and treatment of PeC to prevent and reduce mortality rates in the country.

Influence of sociodemographic and obstetric factors on maternal mortality in Brazil from 2011 to 2021

BackgroundObstetric causes are classified as direct (complications of pregnancy, childbirth or the puerperium) or indirect (caused by pregnancy but not directly caused by it). This study aimed to analyze maternal mortality from obstetric causes in Brazil from 2011 to 2021.MethodsThis was an ecological study on mortality and live births. The outcomes were the specific risk of mortality from direct and indirect cause adjustment and death during pregnancy and the puerperium. Binary and multiple linear logistic regressions were used to assess the influence of sociodemographic factors and maternal and child health indicators on maternal mortality and time of death (pregnancy and puerperium). ResultsRegarding mortality during pregnancy and during the puerperium, increased (p = 0.003) and decreased (p = 0.004) mortality over the years, respectively; residing in the northern region was associated with lower (p < 0.05) and greater (p = 0.035) odds; and the Maternal Mortality Committee was the primary and least active source of investigation, respectively (p < 0.0001). The number of deaths from indirect causes increased with age (p < 0.001) and in the northern region (p = 0.011) and decreased in the white (< 0.05) and stable union (0.002) regions. Specifically, for mortality risk, the age group [women aged 15–19 years presented an increase in cesarean section (p < 0.001) was greater than that of women who had < 4 antenatal visits (p < 0.001)], education [women who completed high school (8 to 11 years) was greater when they had < 4 prenatal visits (p = 0.018)], and marital status [unmarried women had more than 4 antenatal visits (p < 0.001); cesarean birth (p = 0.010) and < 4 antenatal visits (p = 0.009) were predictors of marriage; and women in a stable union who had < 4 prenatal visits and live births to teenage mothers (p < 0.001) were predictors]. Women who had no education (p = 0.003), were divorced (p = 0.036), had cesarean deliveries (p < 0.012), or lived in the north or northeast (p < 0.008) had higher indirect specific mortality risk. ConclusionsSociodemographic factors and maternal and child health indicators were related to different patterns of obstetric mortality. Obstetric mortality varied by region, marital status, race, delivery, prenatal care, and cause of death.

Impact of the improvement of living conditions on tuberculosis mortality in Brazil: an ecological study.

The risk of death due to tuberculosis (TB) in Brazil is high and strongly related to living conditions (LC). However, epidemiological studies investigating changes in LC and their impact on TB are lacking. To evaluate the impact of LC on TB mortality in Brazil. This ecological study, using panel data on spatial and temporal aggregates, was conducted in 1,614 municipalities between 2002 and 2015. Data were collected from the Mortality Information System and the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics. The proxy variable used for LC was the Urban Health Index (UHI). Negative binomial regression models were used to estimate the effect of the UHI on TB mortality rate. Attributable risk (AR) was used as an impact measure. From 2002 to 2015, TB mortality rate decreased by 23.5%, and LC improved. The continuous model analysis resulted in an RR = 0.89 (95%CI = 0.82-0.96), so the AR was -12.3%. The categorized model showed an effect of 0.92 (95%CI = 0.83-0.95) in municipalities with intermediate LC and of 0.83 (95%CI = 0.82-0.91) in those with low LC, representing an AR for TB mortality of -8.7% and -20.5%, respectively. Improved LC impacted TB mortality, even when adjusted for other determinants. This impact was greater in the strata of low-LC municipalities.

Trachoma-associated morbidity and mortality in Brazil: an ecological study focusing on hospitalization and mortality data, 2000-2022.

Trachoma is the leading infectious cause of blindness worldwide. It is a neglected tropical disease caused by Chlamydia trachomatis. The objective of this study was to analyze the trachoma-associated morbidity and mortality in Brazil from 2000 to 2022. This ecological time-series study was based on secondary data on trachoma obtained from hospital admissions (trachoma as the primary or secondary cause) and death certificates (trachoma as the underlying or associated cause). We calculated the sex- and age-standardized rates of hospital admissions and trachoma-specific mortality according to sociodemographic variables and analyzed the spatial distribution. We identified 141/263,292,807 hospital admissions (primary cause: 83.0%) and 126/27,596,830 death certificates (associated cause: 91.3%) related to trachoma. Trachoma-related sequelae were reported in 8.5% of hospital admissions and 6.3% of death certificates. Trachoma was more common in males (hospital admissions and death certificates), people aged ≥70 years (hospital admissions and death certificates), those with brown skin (hospital admissions and death certificates), and those living in the North (hospital admissions) and Northeast (death certificates) regions of Brazil. Despite the relatively low rates of trachoma morbidity in Brazil, the associated mortality rates are of concern. The heterogeneous patterns of occurrence in the country in terms of population and territory reinforce the need to evaluate and monitor the available data, despite the low prevalence, in order to achieve and maintain the elimination targets in Brazil in the future.

Mortalidade materna no Brasil: análise de tendências temporais e agrupamentos espaciais

Abstract This article aims to analyze spatial and temporal patterns of maternal mortality in Brazil during the period 2010-2020 and identify related socioeconomic indicators. We conducted an ecological study of the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) in Brazil’s municipalities using secondary data. Temporal analysis was performed using the joinpoint method. Bayesian statistics, spatial autocorrelation, the Getis Ord Gi* technique and the scan statistic were used to identify spatial clusters, and multiple non-spatial and spatial regression models were used to assess the association between factors and the MMR. There was an increase in the MMR in 2020 and an increase in deaths in the North and Southeast. Clusters were found in Amazonas, Tocantins, Piauí, Maranhão, Bahia and Mato Grosso do Sul. The following indicators were negatively associated with the MMR: cesarean section rate, Municipal Human Development Index, and per capita household income of people who are vulnerable to poverty. The MMR was stable up to 2019, followed by a sharp rise in 2020 coinciding with the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in the country. It is essential that efforts to reduce maternal mortality in Brazil extend beyond the promotion of improvements in antenatal, childbirth and postpartum care to address the social determinants of the problem.

Mortes maternas como desafio para a assistência obstétrica em tempos da Covid-19 no Brasil

Abstract Objectives: to describe the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on maternal mortality in Brazil in 2021. Methods: it is an exploratory study with description of the excess maternal mortality in Brazil for 2021, considering different scenarios: (i) 2015-2019 linear trend; (ii) 2020 observed number of deaths; (iii) 2015-2019 linear trend corrected for general mortality excess; (iv) 2020 observed number of deaths corrected for general mortality excess. Results: compared to the trend of the previous five years, the year 2021 showed an excess mortality of 39% (n=3030). The maternal mortality ratio for 2021 drastically exceeded the SDG target for this indicator, reaching approximately 110 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births. In any scenario described, there will be excess maternal mortality in 2021 higher than general mortality and higher than level presented in 2020. Analysis stratified by region demonstrates subnational heterogeneity. Conclusion: Covid-19 pandemic had a considerable impact on maternal health, not only by leading to increased deaths but also by increasing social health inequality. The year 2021 was the most critical period of the pandemic regarding the magnitude of mortality. Barriers to accessing and using essential health services are challenging to achieving health-related Sustainable Development Goals.

Spatio-temporal trends in mortality due to Chagas disease in the State of Bahia, Brazil, from 2008 to 2018.

Chagas disease is a silent illness with high mortality burden in many Latin American countries, such as Brazil. Bahia has the fourth highest mortality rate in Brazil. This study analyzed the temporal trends and regional differences in the mortality rate of Chagas disease in Bahia State from 2008 to 2018. A time-series analysis of Chagas disease-related deaths was conducted using data from the Mortality Information System of Brazil. We compared the mortality rate due to Chagas disease as the primary cause and mention of the disease in the death certificate, standardized by age and health macroregion/residence municipality, and mapped hot and coldspots. The Chagas Disease Mortality Rate in Bahia during the study period revealed a stationary trend, ranging from 5.34 (2008) to 5.33 (2018) deaths per 100,000 inhabitants. However, the four health macroregions showed an upward trend in mortality rates. The mortality rate (age-adjusted) ranged from 4.3 to 5.1 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants between 2008 and 2018. We observed a upward trend in the mortality rate among individuals aged ≥70 years and a higher incidence of death among men than among women. Of the total number of deaths (8,834), 79.3% had Chagas disease as the primary cause and the death certificates of 20.7% mentioned the disease. Cardiac complications were reported in 85.1% of the deaths due to Chagas disease. The regional and individual differences in the mortality rate of Chagas disease highlighted in this study may support health planning that considers the peculiarities of the territory.

The rise in mortality due to intentional self-poisoning by medicines in Brazil between 2003 and 2022: relationship with regional and global crises.

In recent years, suicide rates in Brazil have increased, but little is known about the temporal behavior and characteristics of suicides due to intentional self-poisoning by medicines. The aim of the present study was to provide an overview of sociodemographic characteristics and place of death related to suicide due to intentional self-poisoning by medicines, to evaluate the trend of mortality rates in Brazil between 2003 and 2022, and its relationship with regional and global crises. Ecological time series study with data from the Mortality Information System of the Brazilian Ministry of Health, related to individuals aged 10 years and over, who committed suicides due to intentional drug overdose, in the period from 2003 to 2022. The analyses were performed in the R environment in RStudio. Between 2003 and 2022, there was a predominance of deaths in women (55.5%), individuals aged 30-49 years (47.2%), of White race/color (53.2%), occurring in health facilities (67.0%), using drugs or unspecified substances (40.4%); a higher concentration in the southern region (22.8%) and a positive trend in mortality rates due to intentional drug overdose, especially from 2016 onwards. A rise of 264% was observed in the comparison of 2022 and 2003. A peculiar sociodemographic profile was observed in the victims of intentional self-poisoning by medicines and a positive temporal trend in mortality rates, especially in a period marked by regional and global crises.

State capacity impact on COVID-19 mortality in Brazil.

This study addresses the State's capacity to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and contributes to the literature on crisis management in health care. We analyzed whether the capacity level impacted the State response to COVID-19 in Brazilian healthcare regions in 2020 using a set of statistical analysis techniques and public health impact analysis, including propensity score matching (PSM). Results revealed that a low COVID-19 mortality was associated with participation in municipal health consortia, schooling level of municipal health managers and the resources allocated by the Brazilian National Program for Improvement of Access and Quality of Basic Care (PMAQ). Conversely, the number of intensive care units (ICU) and life-sustaining equipment available were associated with higher mortality, as locations with a larger population concentrated operational capacity to treat the most severe cases. In conclusion, the different levels of State capacity in health regions led to different outcomes in combating the pandemic. This reinforces the importance of discussing State capacity and crisis management, since the COVID-19 confrontation in Brazil related to the level of existing resources concerning health system capacity, bureaucratic capacity and participation in consortia for sharing inputs and ensuring the provision of health services to the population.