[Decline and social inequalities of infant mortality caused by diarrhea]

This ecological study describes the temporal trend from 1977 to 1998, and spatial patterns of infant mortality from diarrhea in the city of Salvador, Bahia State, Brazil. The annual proportional of infant mortality and specific-cause mortality rate were estimated. Spatial units of geographical zones within the city's urban area were utilized for administrative purposes, which were aggregated according to quartile of living conditions indicators. Over the study period, the diarrhea-induced infant mortality rate decreased 91.9%. The mortality risk from diarrhea in the lowest living condition strata was 90% greater than in the highest conditions. Also, infant mortality due to diarrhea increases proportionally as living conditions worsen, which necessitates a review of the control policies concerning this important public health problem. Although the infant mortality rate declined during the study period, social inequalities related to infant mortality due to diarrhea persist, reflecting a continuing poor social development.