Mortes por causas evitáveis em pessoas de 5 a 74 anos nas cinco regiões do Brasil entre 2014 e 2023

Abstract

Introduction: Preventable mortality is a sensitive indicator of health system effectiveness and social inequities, reflecting structural advances as well as persistent vulnerabilities. In Brazil, although extensive research addresses neonatal and early-childhood mortality, integrated analyses focused on individuals aged 5 to 74 years remain limited. Objective: To analyze the behavior of deaths from preventable causes among individuals aged 5 to 74 years across the five regions of Brazil over the last 10 years. Methods: An ecological, retrospective, population-based study was conducted using data from the Brazilian Mortality Information System (SIM/DATASUS) from 2014 to 2023. Preventable deaths were classified according to the Brazilian List of Preventable Causes of Death, and analyses included proportions, regional distribution, race/skin-color patterns, and temporal trends. Results: A total of 8,044,147 preventable deaths were recorded, with the highest concentration in the Southeast, followed by the Northeast and South. Most deaths occurred among White and Brown individuals, and the most prevalent group of preventable causes comprised conditions reducible by promotion, prevention, control, and care related to noncommunicable diseases. Temporal analysis revealed rising mortality rates between 2014 and 2021, followed by a decline from 2021 to 2023, with differences according to sex and region. Conclusion: Preventable mortality remains high in Brazil, with persistent regional and racial inequalities. These findings highlight the need to strengthen primary health care, improve access to timely and effective services, and adopt intersectoral policies capable of reducing inequities and enhancing preventive care effectiveness.