Analyzing regional patterns of mortality data quality and adult mortality for small areas in Brazil, 1980–2010

BACKGROUNDBrazil's profound regional social inequalities raise concerns about their impact on adult mortality and data quality.Although the quality of mortality data has improved in recent decades, substantial regional disparities in death registration and mortality rates persist. OBJECTIVEOur study examines the spatial and temporal trends in death record quality and adult mortality across Brazil's small regions from 1980 to 2010.It assesses whether adult mortality rates are converging or diverging and whether the vital registration system is progressively improving.https://www.demographic-research.org CONTRIBUTIONWe propose an approach combining demographic and statistical methods to evaluate data quality and produce adult mortality estimates for countries with limited data.We demonstrate how data quality evolves over time and how it varies by gender and region.This research offers a practical method for assessing data quality in small areas and estimating adult mortality in countries with data limitations, and it provides insights for policymakers aiming to reduce regional mortality disparities.