Maternal and Fetal Health in Brazil: Investigating Fetal Mortality between 2017 and 2023

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.15941022402124

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• Abstract:

  Introduction: Fetal deaths, defined as the death of a fetus after 20 weeks of gestation or weighing at least 500 grams, are an important public health indicator and reflect both maternal health conditions and the performance of health services. This study investigates fetal mortality in Brazil between 2017 and 2023, seeking to identify regional patterns and contributing factors to these disparities.
  Methodology: The data was extracted from the Mortality Information System (SIM) of DATASUS and includes records of fetal deaths in all units of the federation. Descriptive analysis was carried out using Microsoft Excel, and the comparison between the proportions of types of birth between regions was made using the chi-square test. To examine trends in fetal deaths over time, linear regression was applied using R software (version 4.2.2).
  Results: The results showed that the Southeast and Northeast had the highest absolute numbers of fetal deaths, with 74,309 (36.66%) and 66,362 (32.75%), respectively. There was a reduction of approximately 13% in fetal deaths between 2017 and 2023, with a linear regression coefficient of -665.8 (p = 0.00216). In addition, 66.8% of fetal deaths occurred by vaginal delivery, while 29.8% were caesarean sections, with statistically significant differences in the proportions of delivery types between regions (p < 0.0001).
  Conclusion: The analysis indicates a downward trend in fetal mortality in Brazil, but highlights significant regional disparities, especially in the Southeast and Northeast. The high caesarean section rates in some regions require attention. The findings suggest that public health policies should be implemented to reduce regional inequalities and improve maternal and child health.