Time trends in mortality from intestinal infectious diseases among children under five years old, in São Paulo State, Brazil, 2000-2012^*

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

to analyze time trends in mortality owing to intestinal infectious diseases (IID) among children under five years of age in São Paulo State and its Regional Health Care Networks (RRAS), from 2000 to 2012.

METHODS:

this was a time series study of deaths having IID as their underlying, antecedent or contributory cause, using Mortality Information System data.

RESULTS:

there were 2,886 deaths from IID in the state; the IID mortality rate went down by 10.5% per year (95%CI 4.8;15.8%); there was a significant decrease in the mortality rate in 13 of the 17 RRAS, with annual decrease in the range 16.6% - 8.3%.

CONCLUSION:

The IID mortality rate went down significantly in most RRAS, at different speeds, possibly reflecting inequalities in socio-economic conditions and health care network organization.

Key words:
Time Series Studies; Diarrhea/mortality; Child Mortality; Child, Preschool; Infant.