The objective of this study is to analyze the spatial distribution of neonatal mortality and its correlation with the biological and socioeconomic factors and maternal and child health care in the Brazilian states in the period from 2006 to 2010. Thematic and correlation (LISA) maps were created for verification of spatial dependence as well as multiple linear regression models. It was found that there is no specific spatial correlation for neonatal mortality in the Brazilian states (R = 0.002, p = 0.48). The majority of the variables were correlated (r > 0.3, p < 0.05) with neonatal mortality, forming clusters in the North and Northeast, with higher rates for teenage mothers, low household income per capita, lower prenatal consultations and less Neonatal Intensive Care Unit beds. The number of Neonatal ICU beds maintained an independent effect after regression analysis. The conclusion reached was that regional inequalities in living conditions and especially access to maternal and child health contribute to the unequal distribution of neonatal mortality in Brazil.
Medical geography; Neonatal mortality; Inequalities in health
