Profile of deaths and causes of mortality among international migrants in Brazil, 2011-2022

To describe the mortality profile and analyze the causes of death among international migrants residing in Brazil between 2011 and 2022.

This is a cross-sectional, descriptive, and ecological study based on secondary data. The sociodemographic profile of deaths reported from 2011 to 2022 was analyzed. Absolute and relative frequencies, as well as mortality rates per 100,000 inhabitants, were calculated by country of birth, macroregion, and federative unit of residence. The underlying causes of death were also analyzed.

A total of 173,807 deaths among international migrants were recorded between 2011 and 2022, with the highest number in 2021 (17,779; 10.2%). The predominant mortality profile was male (97,053; 55.8%), aged ≥ 81 years (104,308; 60.0%), White (136,835; 78.7%), and widowed (72,156; 41.5%). Most deceased migrants were born in Portugal (64,909; 37.3%), Japan (22,748; 13.1%), Italy (16,178; 9.3%), and Spain (12,835; 7.3%). The highest mortality rates were observed among migrants born in Lithuania (190,079/100,000), Serbia (146,794/100,000), and Hungary (96,395/100,000). The Southeast (137,457; 79.1%) and South (18,603; 10.7%) macroregions accounted for the majority of deaths, with the highest mortality rates observed in the states of Rio de Janeiro (25,349/100,000), São Paulo (23,574/100,000), and Mato Grosso do Sul (18,683/100,000). The covid-19 pandemic led to an increase in infectious and parasitic diseases from 2020 onward, peaking in 2021 (4,460; 25.0% of deaths that year). The most frequent underlying cause of death during the study period was unspecified acute myocardial infarction (12,141; 7.0%).

This study highlights the need for targeted health actions addressing international migrant profiles at higher risk of death and their specific causes of mortality. However, the general invisibility of this population in public health indicators hinders the implementation of effective strategies. Policies ensuring equitable access to healthcare services, medications, and vaccines are essential to improve long-term health outcomes of this population.