[Unequal trends in causes of death in Brazilian regions].

OBJECTIVE

To determine changing patterns in the main causes of mortality Brazilian regions between 1980 and 2000 taking into consideration the inequalities among territories and epidemiological transition.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

Data was gathered from the Information System of the state of São Paulo. Age-standardized mortality rates were calculated using the European population as reference. The average annual increase was calculated using linear regression models.

RESULT: Mortality rates due to ill-defined causes of death, assaults and homicide, and HIV infection increased in men and women while mortality due to cardiovascular disease, pneumonia and influenza significantly decreased.

CONCLUSION

The epidemiological transition in Brazil differs from that of developed countries and other Latin American countries, since causes of death connected with both developed and developing countries coexist.