Spatial analysis of risk areas of congenital anomalies in Brazil, 2012-2021.

OBJECTIVE

To identify areas at risk for congenital anomalies in Brazil, from 2012 to 2021.

METHOD: Time series analysis using data from the Live Birth Information System. Prevalence of anomalies in the period was calculated according to immediate geographic region. Spatial analysis was performed by calculating the Global and Local Moran index and spatial scanning, with calculation of Relative Risk (RR) and p-value, for the risk areas.

RESULTS

Areas at higher risk for anomalies were identified in the Northeast, Southeast, and Southern regions. The Northeast region had a higher number of clusters (n=31) and higher prevalence of nervous system anomalies compared to the other regions (9.7/10,000 live births). The highest risk of anomalies compared to the other areas was found in the state of Paraíba (RR 2.4; p-value<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Disparities in the distribution of congenital anomalies were identified in Brazil, with risk areas in the Northeast, Southeast, and Southern regions.