The Evolution of Causes of Deaths in Relation to Economic Development: Study for Small Areas in Brazil, 1991-2010

Emerson Baptista , Asian Demographic Research Institute/Shanghai University
Bernardo L. Queiroz, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais

Background There are signs of convergence in infant mortality among the regions of Brazil, as infectious diseases have reduced their number of deaths, but there are still great differentials in life expectancy at birth and adult mortality in all Brazilian regions. Recent studies investigate the patterns of causes of death overtime and show how the changes in the patterns impact the evolution of life expectancy at birth and the mortality differentials observed in the country. Objectives The main objective of the paper is to try to establish a relationship between mortality by causes of death and economic development, measured by gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, in the adult population (over 30 years of age), by sex, in Brazilian micro-regions from 1991 to 2010 Data and Methods We use data from the SIM-DATASUS from 1991 to 2010. We use GDP data by micro-region as a measure of economic development. Data are public available from the SIDRA. We introduce an adapted bivariate choropleth map in R to evaluate the degree of relation between mortality by cardiovascular disease and GDP per capita at the micro-regions level. Contributions This study provides useful clues for policy makers in establishing effective measures for the prevention and public health planning of deaths by external and non-communicable causes of deaths. The dynamics of mortality by cause and its relation to economic conditions are important to better understand future trends in economic development. As mortality declines, one can expect positive impact on economic growth for increase in life expectancy.

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 Presented in Session P2. Poster Session Ageing, Health and Mortality