Preterm births in Brazil between 2012 and 2019: data from the Information System on Live Births

Abstract

The aim of this study is to analyze the trend of prematurity in Brazil from 2012 to 2019, according to sociodemographic, prenatal and childbirth characteristics. This is an ecological time series study, in which the proportions of prematurity were calculated according to the regions of Brazil, maternal age, maternal education, race/color, number of prenatal consultations and type of delivery from the data of Information System on Live Births (SINASC). Sequentially, polynomial regression models were applied to analyze time trends. From 2012 to 2019, the proportion of prematurity in Brazil showed a decreasing trend, ranging from 10.87% to 9.95%, with the lowest proportion in 2015, which was 9.77%. Women aged ≥ 45 years and with 4 to 6 prenatal consultations had the highest proportions of prematurity for the period (14.88% to 17.92%) and with an increasing trend. Illiterate and indigenous women, on the other hand, showed a decreasing trend for the period, despite having the highest proportions of prematurity (15.75% to 11.74%). There is a decreasing trend of prematurity in Brazil, especially in more vulnerable women. However, health services need to improve the care of women with an advanced maternal age and attract women with few prenatal consultations.

Key words
Infant premature; Premature birth; Information systems; Health planning