Abstract

The aim of this research was describe the occurrence of infant mortality according to preventable causes. Methods: This is a cross-sectional, retrospective, quantitative study conducted with data on infant mortality from 2008 to 2014 in Teresina-PI. The study population consisted of secondary data available on the website of the Department of Informatics of the Unified Health System. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed, with absolute and relative frequency distribution. Of the total number of infant deaths recorded in Teresina-PI, a majority of 1,108 (71.8%) were classified as preventable, 428 (27.7%) were not clearly avoidable, and eight (0.5%) were considered As an ill-defined cause. It was also identified that a large part of preventable infant deaths could be avoided if more effective health actions were performed during care for women during pregnancy (56.8%), women at childbirth (16.8%) and Care (13.4%). Conclusion: Despite the decrease in the mortality rate in the period studied, the percentages are still high, especially with regard to deaths from preventable causes.

Key words: Infant Mortality; Information Systems; Maternal-Child Nursing