Mortality differentials in a philanthropic hospital: the Santa Casa de Misericórdia of Campinas (1876-1885)

Abstract

With documentation involving patients’ records and reports fromthe administration of Santa Casa de Misericórdia of Campinas (1876-1885), we examined demographic characteristics of patients and analyzed differences in mortality ratesamongslaves, free people, Brazilians, and foreign population atthe philanthropic hospital. Data show patients are predominantly men of working age, mainly involved inlabor available related to agricultural expansion and urban services. Through an analysis of mortality differentials based on the Oaxaca-Blinder Decomposition, we concluded that although the characteristics of slavery and economic incentives in their treatment favored a reduced differential of mortality, slave mortality was higher due to the living conditions imposed by slavery. Among the free population, Brazilians had higher mortality rates than foreigners. Hypotheses raised include abelated demand for help from nationals, differences in age structure, and astrong female underrepresentation among the free population.

Key words
Hospital mortality; Mortality differentials; Slavery; Santa Casa de Misericórdia