Mortality Caused by Diseases Related to Inadequate Sanitation in Brazilian Microregions

Leandro Correia, Universidade de Brasilia
Ana Maria Nogales Vasconcelos, Universidade de Brasilia
Valéria Fechine, Universidade de Brasília
Luana Barreto, Universidade de Brasília
Marília Gomes, Universidade de Brasília

The relationship between the conditions of access to water supply and sanitation services and the health of a population is widely known. In Brazil, the risk of death caused by diseases related to inadequate sanitation (DRIS) reflects the deep and persistent social and economic inequalities. The present study evaluates the relationship between basic sanitation coverage and mortality caused by DRIS in Brazilian microregions between 2000 and 2018. Data on deaths according to age, causes, and municipalities of residence were used. Mortality rates were calculated for three age groups (under five years, from 5 to 59 years, and 60 years or more) and two groups of causes (enteric and hygiene diseases and those transmitted by insect vectors). The results indicate a downward trend in mortality caused by DRIS, mainly for enteric diseases among children under five in the North and Northeast, and higher mortality levels due to diseases transmitted by insect vectors for more than five years in the Southeast and Northeast. However, our study showed little evidence of an association between DRIS mortality rates and basic sanitation. Despite advances, Brazil is unlikely to achieve the targets of the SDGs. Many efforts must still be made to implement sanitation policies.

Keywords: Mortality and Longevity, Bayesian methods , Multi-level modeling , Civil Registration and Vital Statistics

See extended abstract.