Spatial analysis of inequalities in fetal and infant mortality due to avoidable causes

ABSTRACT Objectives: to analyze social inequalities in spatial distribution of fetal and infant mortality by avoidable causes and identify the areas of greater risk of occurrence. Methods: avoidable deaths of fetal and infant residents of Recife/Brazil were studied. The rates of avoidable fetal and infant mortality were calculated for two five-year periods, 2006-2010 and 2011-2015. The scan statistics was used for spatial analysis and related to the social deprivation index. Results: out of the total 2,210 fetal deaths, 80% were preventable. Avoidable fetal mortality rates increased by 8.1% in the five-year periods. Of the 2,846 infant deaths, 74% were avoidable, and the infant mortality rate reduced by 0.13%. Conclusions: in the spatial analysis, were identified clusters with higher risk for deaths. The social deprivation index showed sensibility with areas of worse living conditions.