EVOLUÇÃO DA MORTALIDADE INFANTIL NO BRASIL AO LONGO DE 27 ANOS

Abstract

Introduction: The infant mortality rate (IMR) is defined as the ratio between the number of deaths of children under one year of age per thousand live births (LB), within a specific geographic area and time period. It is considered a highly sensitive indicator for assessing quality of life, socioeconomic development, and the population’s access to health services.

Objectives: To analyze the trends in IMR from 1996 to 2022 across different regions of Brazil, examining possible associations with socioeconomic, regional, and contextual factors, in order to understand existing inequalities and the main determinants of this rate. Methods: This was an observational, descriptive, and quantitative study, using data from DATASUS (SIM and SINASC) and analyzed through Prais-Winsten regression using Stata 14. Variables such as sex, age group at death, and region were evaluated. Ethical committee approval was not required, as the data are publicly accessible. Results: The IMR decreased from 25.47 in 1996 to 12.59 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2022, with the greatest reduction occurring between 2010 and 2016. The rate was higher among boys, during the early neonatal period (up to 7 days of life), and in the North and Northeast regions. Conclusions: These regional differences highlight significant socioeconomic inequalities. Although a downward trend was observed in all regions, challenges remain, requiring interventions to improve access to healthcare and strengthen neonatal care, ensuring greater child survival.