Youth mortality in Brazil, 2000-2011
METHODS: A descriptive study was conducted with data from the Mortality Information System for the period 2000-2011. Total, cause-specific, and sex-specific mortality rates per 1,000 inhabitants aged between 15 and 29 years were estimated using correction factors provided by the Ministry of Health. The number of deaths by external causes was corrected through proportional redistribution of the events of undetermined intent. Trends were examined through negative binomial models.
RESULTS: 954,500 deaths of young people were estimated for the period 2000-2011. The total mortality rates were 1.61 and 1.57 per 1,000 in 2000 and 2011, respectively (p = 0.257). The mortality rate was 4 times higher among men than women. In 2011, the mortality rate was 0.64 per 1,000 women, and 2.51 per 1,000 men. External causes accounted for 68.2% of all deaths, 76.9% of male deaths and 34.6% of female deaths. Of all deaths from external causes, 54.5% were due to assault and 25.0% by traffic injuries. These proportions were respectively 56.9% and 23.4% among men, and 33.8% and 38.5% among women. Of all deaths from assault, 70.2% were caused by firearms and 40.2% occurred during the weekend. Among women, 21.7% of deaths were from causes related to pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium.
CONCLUSIONS: In Brazil, youth mortality rates were high and stable during the study period. External causes were the main causes of death, particularly assaults and traffic injuries. The mortality profile is quite different according to sex. The results highlight the need to implement policies aimed at young Brazilian population, such as those contained in the Youth Act.