The characteristics of adolescent mortality in the age group, sex and region was observed. Attention is called to the necessity of Brazil as whole and its constituint regions and for the cities of S. Paulo and Recife specifically are analyzed. It is concluded that the adolescent mortality rate was almost always bigger in the underdeveloped areas than in the developed ones. The main causes of death in the areas studied are similar to those in Brazil, varying only their order of frequency. The occurence of higher risk from particular causes of death according to age group, sex and region was observed. Attention is called to the necessity of improving the quantity and quality of health services to the adolescent population.
Adolescence; Mortality; Health services