O Mundo da Saúde (Dec 2019)
Infant mortality in the state capital of Amazonas: analysis of preventable causes in the 2012 to 2014 triennium
Abstract
Infant mortality is defined as death before the first year of life; in many cases such deaths could have been prevented. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze infant mortality and its components of residents of Manaus during the 2012-2014 triennium, according to preventable causes. This was a descriptive epidemiological study conducted in northern Brazil, where all deaths of children under one year old, based on data available in the Mortality Information System (MIS) and the Live Birth Information System (SINASC) were analyzed. For analysis criteria, descriptive statistics were used, and the List of Causes of Death that are Preventable by Interventions of the Unified Health System was applied, and then the Infant Mortality Coefficient (IMC) was calculated by year and by component. Given that public domain data were used and without any identification of the research participants, it was not necessary to submit a request to the Research Ethics Committee, according to Resolution 510 of April 7, 2016 of the National Health Council. The analysis showed that in the triennium of 2012-2014, 1791 deaths in children under one year were reported in Manaus, 59.9% were classified as preventable and the neonatal component concentrated over 60% of the deaths. It can be concluded that the infant mortality rate was stable, and more than 2/3 of the deaths were considered preventable. Therefore, the efforts needed to reduce avoidable deaths should focus on improving the quality and resolution of prenatal care, even in primary care.
