MORTALITY FROM NONCOMMUNICABLE DISEASES IN BRAZIL: TEMPORAL TRENDS, CHANGES IN THE EPIDEMIOLOGICAL PROFILE, AND REGIONAL INEQUALITIES, 2010–2024

Abstract

Objective: To analyze mortality from Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs) in Brazil, considering temporal trends, epidemiological profile, sociodemographic characteristics, place of occurrence, and regional inequalities between 2010 and 2024. Methods: Ecological time-series study using data from the Mortality Information System. Deaths from neoplasms, circulatory diseases, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes mellitus were included according to the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th Revision (ICD-10). Data were grouped into the five-year periods 2010–2014, 2015–2019, and 2020–2024 and analyzed using absolute and relative frequencies and percentage change. Results: A total of 10,701,434 deaths were recorded, representing a 21.24% increase between the first and last five-year periods. Circulatory diseases remained the leading cause of death, although their proportion declined from 51.94% to 49.30%. Neoplasms increased from 29.02% to 30.78%, and diabetes mellitus from 8.85% to 9.52%. Deaths were concentrated among men, older adults, individuals with low educational attainment, and married or widowed individuals. There was an increased proportion of deaths among Black and Brown populations, growth in home deaths, and proportional expansion in the North and Midwest regions. Conclusion: Mortality from NCDs increased, accompanied by changes in the epidemiological profile and persistent sociodemographic and regional inequalities, reinforcing the need for integrated prevention, early diagnosis, longitudinal care, and reduction of health inequities.