Spatial Approach of Perinatal Mortality in São Paulo State, 2003-2012

Abstract

Abstract Objectives To identifying spatial patterns in the distribution of perinatal mortality in the state of São Paulo from 2003 to 2012. Methods An ecological and exploratory study with data on perinatal mortality rates of every thousand live births, which were registered on the digital database containing 645 municipalities in the state of São Paulo within the periods of 2003 to 2007 and 2008 to 2012. The spatial analysis provided Moran’s index (MI) and thematic maps of rates, and the Moran maps of both periods were drawn. The average rates were compared by Student’s t test. The TerraView 4.2.2 software (INPE, S. José dos Campos, Brazil) was also used. Results There were 49,485 perinatal deaths during the first period, at a rate of 17.90 deaths/1,000 live births (standard deviation [SD] = 7.0; MI = 0.14; p = 0.01), and 44,582 perinatal deaths during the second period, at a rate of 16.40 deaths/1,000 live births (SD = 11.14; MI = 0.04; p = 0.03). These rates are statistically different (p < 0.01). There was a decrease in these rates in 413 municipalities when comparing the two periods. The Moran map has identified 35 municipalities that require special attention, which are located in the Eastern, Southwestern, Western and Northwestern regions of São Paulo state. Conclusion The study provides municipal managers with subsidies so they can minimize these rates by implementing public policies and taking better care of pregnant women and newborns.

Resumo Objetivo Identificar padrões espaciais na distribuição de mortalidade perinatal no Estado de São Paulo no período de 2003 a 2012. Métodos Estudo ecológico e exploratório, com dados sobre as taxas de mortalidade perinatal por mil nascidos vivos e inseridos em malha digital dos 645 municípios do estado de São Paulo entre 2003 e 2007 e 2008 e 2012. A análise espacial forneceu o índice de Moran (IM), e foram construídos mapas temáticos das taxas e o mapa de Moran de ambos os períodos. As taxas médias foram comparadas utilizando o teste t de Student. Utilizou-se o programa Terra View 4.2.2. Resultados Foram 49.485 óbitos perinatais no primeiro período, taxa de 17,90 óbitos/1.000 nascidos vivos (desvio-padrão [DP] = 7,0; IM = 0,14; p = 0,01), e 44.582 óbitos perinatais no segundo período, taxa de 16,40 óbitos/1.000 nascidos vivos (DP = 11,14; IM = 0,04; p = 0,03). Estas taxas são diferentes (p < 0,01). Houve diminuição destas taxas em 413 municípios quando comparados os dois períodos. O mapa de Moran identificou 35 municípios localizados nas regiões Leste, Sudoeste, Oeste e Noroeste, que merecem uma atenção especial. Conclusão O estudo fornece subsídios para que os gestores municipais possam minimizar estas taxas, implantando políticas públicas e melhor atendimento às gestantes e recém-nascidos.