The main aim of the present study was to furnish elements for the understanding of the dynamics of infant mortality as an indicator in the State of Rio de Janeiro, attempting to utilize certain parameters to evaluate present discrepancies in living conditions occurring in six regions as well as the pattern and trends in infant mortality by specific causes. The levels and tendencies of infant mortality were described by cause and age, and discrepancies existing within the study were established. Tendencies in mortality were then evaluated through a simple regression analysis. Results confirmed that components of infant mortality can react differently from economic changes and medical/sanitary interventions. They demonstrate the change in the profile of infant deaths in the State of Rio de Janeiro resulting from a differential pattern of the rates in relation to the main causes of death. Furthermore, they call our attention to the differences that exist from one region of the State to the next. The present study's conclusions indicate the need to proceed to more precise indicators about how the epidemiological data register variations in the population's standard of living, the urban sub-structure and real purchasing power of wages.
Health Indicators; Standard of Health; Social Policies; Infant Mortality; Rio de Janeiro
