Spatial distribution and autocorrelation of infant mortality for three cities in Paraná state, Brazil

Infant mortality (IM), defined as deaths among children one year of age or younger, is an indicator of quality of life and of the organisation and quality of health services. IM reduction is one of the main goals of healthcare and improvements in this area would demonstrate an impact of public services and improved living conditions. Knowledge of the geographic distribution of IM can provide support for prevention and health maintenance decisions. The objective of this study was to analyse the spatial distribution and autocorrelation of IM in Maringá, Sarandi and Paiçandu, three cities in the Maringá metropolitan area, Paraná state, Brazil. The coefficients ranged between 6.5 and 18.2, with the highest rates found in the outskirts of the fused cities, particularly in the demographic expansion areas (DEAs) in Sarandi, with a "high-high" correlation for DEAs no. 18 and 19 and a "low-high" for DEA no. 16. In the central area of Maringá, represented by DEAs no. 3, 6 and 7, the correlation was "low-low". Peripheral DEAs generally show inferior socioeconomic and healthcare conditions. These observations make it possible to analyse programme coverage, set priorities, define goals and follow-up future changes.