Argentina. Tendencies in health indicators. First decade of the millennium

Abstract

This work examines the changes that took place in the demographic transition and health indicators in Argentina in the period 2001-2009. Its objective is to analyze if the economic growth modified the population epidemiological profile and if there was an impact on morbid-mortality rates. This is a descriptive correlational study with retrospective longitudinal design.

Results show that Argentina is moving from being a young population towards maturity except in the northern provinces. There is a positive association between child mortality and public institutions without hospitalization which suggests allocation of resources in places with more health problems. The mother’s education is seen as a protection factor for the child’s survival. General mortality rate adjusted according to age decreases, and there is an increase in life expectancy associated with the reduction of child mortality. As in developed countries, heart disease represents the main cause of death and this rate adjusted according to age is decreasing. On the other hand, the incidence of TB is found in all districts. As regards congenital syphilis, only Tierra del Fuego, Catamarca and Chubut are excluded. Capital Federal is placed among the six districts concerning VIH, Aids, Congenital Syphilis and TB. There is an important increase of mother’s death.