Infant deaths due to preventable causes in the Far West Health Region of Santa Catarina

Abstract

The discussion and scientific production on preventable infant deaths has attracted attention due to the intrinsic association with the quality of health services and social determinants. Its analysis, within the scope of SUS, supports the management and planning of health promotion and prevention interventions aimed at children. Thus, the present study aimed to analyze the occurrence of infant deaths from preventable causes in the Health Region of the Far West of Santa Catarina. Data collection was carried out between the months of July and December 2019, in secondary sources, in the death certificates, live birth certificates, and infant death investigation forms for the period from 01/01/2018 to 12/31/2018. The information obtained was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The instrument for the analysis of preventability was the Brazilian List of causes of preventable deaths by interventions of the Unified Health System. From a total of 3,046 births, verified in the analyzed period, there were 62 deaths, among which were 25 fetal deaths (40.32 %) and 37 infant deaths (59.67%). With an Infant Mortality Rate estimated at 12.14%, there was a predominance of fetal (40.32%) and early neonatal (29.03%) deaths. As for preventability, 40 (64%) deaths were classified as preventable, 14 (23%) were not preventable, and 8 (13%) had ill-defined causes. The causes that can be reduced by adequate care for women during pregnancy stood out as the main component in infant mortality. Our results demonstrate that there is a compromise in the quality of prenatal and neonatal care and demonstrate the importance of directing attention and investments to improve this care.

Keywords

• infant mortality. primary prevention. child health. health promotion. public health. prenatal care.