Juvenile mortality due to preventable causes in the provinces of the Central Region (Argentina), period 2005-2020

Abstract

This paper comparatively analyzes the behavior of mortality due to preventable causes in the population aged 15 to 24 years in the provinces of the Central Region of Argentina (Córdoba, Entre Ríos, and Santa Fe), during the period 2005-2020. The proportion of associated deaths, their distribution by sex, avoidability criteria (preventable, treatable) and causes, and their temporal dynamics are studied. Based on official information, specific mortality rates were calculated and their trend was analyzed by applying joinpoint regression models. Occasionally the mortality ratio by sex was also calculated. We observed that the preventable causes accounted for nearly 80 % of deaths, with male over-mortality in all cases. Santa Fe registered the highest proportions of preventable deaths and rates, but with a decreasing trend; Córdoba showed the lowest mortality without significant temporal changes; and Entre Ríos nearly always reduced its mortality. Preventable causes prevailed, but differed in their composition, except for a high proportion of transport accidents in the three provinces: events of undetermined intent predominated in Córdoba, suicides in Entre Ríos, and assaults in Santa Fe. Priorities for action should be set according to province, regardless of the decrease in some rates.