Social determinants of mortality due to visceral leishmaniasis in Brazil (2001-2015): an ecological study.

INTRODUCTION

We aimed to analyze the relationship between visceral leishmaniasis mortality and social determinants of health (SDH).

METHODS

This was an ecological study of all leishmaniasis-related deaths in Brazil, from 2001 to 2015. We analyzed 49 indicators of human development and social vulnerability. The association was tested using the classical and spatial regression model.

RESULTS

Mortality was associated with indicators that expressed low human development and high social vulnerability: lack of garbage collection, low schooling, unemployment rate, low per capita income, and income inequality (Gini index).

CONCLUSIONS

There was an association between high mortality by leishmaniasis and low SDH.