Temporal trend of the mortality coefficient and proportional mortality due to stroke in the populations of the states of Rio Grande do Norte and Paraíba, in Northeastern Brazil

Introduction: among the main causes of death, the stroke representing a public health problem that is difficult to control, with high death rates. Analysis of mortality patterns reveals risk factors and pre-existing conditions that increase the risk of cerebrovascular diseases, highlighting the importance of tracing the regional epidemiological profile. Objective: evaluating the temporal trends in the mortality coefficient and proportional mortality due to stroke in the populations of the states of Rio Grande do Norte and Paraíba, in the Northeast region of Brazil. Methods: a time series study analyzed secondary data on deaths from stroke in adults in the states of Paraíba and Rio Grande do Norte, from 2004 to 2023. The data was extracted from the Unified Health System database. Joinpoint regression, annual percentage changes and annual averages with 95% confidence intervals were used. Results: in the state of Paraíba, the highest number of deaths occurred in females with 1,5206 deaths (51.3%) and in the age group 65 years or older with 22,238 deaths (75.0%). In the state of Rio Grande do Norte, the majority of deaths were registered among females with 9,558 deaths (51.2%) and in the age group 65 years or older with 14,092 (75.4%). Conclusion: in the period analyzed from 2004 to 2023, the state of Paraíba maintained the highest mortality coefficients compared to Rio Grande do Norte. However, proportional mortality showed a reversal in 2023, with Rio Grande do Norte excelling, especially in the 65 and over age group.