[Mortality trends from avoidable causes in Pelotas/RS: ecological study from 2000 to 2021]

The objective of this study was to analyze the characteristics of avoidable mortality in the population aged five to 69 years living in the city of Pelotas/RS, comparing it with the rest of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, from 2000 to 2021. An ecological study was conducted analyzing avoidable mortality coefficients according to sex and age, from 2000 to 2021. The data source was the Mortality Information System, and the trend analysis was performed using Prais-Winsten regression, with standardization of coefficients. Violence and human immunodeficiency virus disease were among the main causes of death among younger people. In women, malignant breast cancer was among the main causes from 30 to 59 years of age. Ischemic heart disease and cerebrovascular diseases, although with a decreasing trend, attained the highest coefficients in both sexes. The analysis showed the need for improvement and monitoring of the information system. The main causes of mortality require cross-sectoral policies and improvement of the health system.