MORTALITY FROM NON-COMMUNICABLE CHRONIC DISEASES IN BRAZIL: AN ECOLOGICAL STUDY FROM 2012 TO 2021

Abstract

Analyze mortality from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Brazil between 2012 and 2021, focusing on temporal trends, regional differences, and the sociodemographic profile of deaths.This was an ecological time-series study using data from the Mortality Information System (SIM/SUS). Deaths from cardiovascular diseases, neoplasms, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes mellitus were analyzed according to the 10th Revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10). Mortality rates were calculated, and temporal trends were examined using simple linear regression. Sociodemographic variables included age, sex, race/ethnicity, education level, and region of residence. A total of 7,032,296 deaths from NCDs were recorded (3,414 per 100,000 residents), with 50.40% due to cardiovascular diseases, 30.21% to neoplasms, 10.24% to chronic respiratory diseases, and 9.14% to diabetes mellitus. A significant increasing trend was observed for neoplasms (1.55 times per year), diabetes mellitus (0.84 times per year), and chronic respiratory diseases (0.31 times per year). Notable regional differences were identified: Rio de Janeiro had the highest cardiovascular mortality rate (2,282 per 100,000 residents), Rio Grande do Sul had the highest neoplasm mortality rate (1,644 per 100,000 residents), and Alagoas had the highest diabetes mortality rate (467 per 100,000 residents). Male mortality generally predominated, except for diabetes mellitus (54.41% female). An inverse educational gradient was seen across all NCDs. The study showed a rising trend in NCD deaths in Brazil, with notable regional and sociodemographic differences. These findings highlight the need for an urgent update of prevention and control strategies, considering regional specificities and the socioeconomic gradient identified.