Mortality from Sickle Cell Disease in Bahia, Brazil: Historical Invisibility and Persistence of Racial Inequalities
1
Institute of Collective Health, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
2
Municipal Health Secretariat, Salvador, Brazil
3
Florida University of Science and Theology, Pompano Beach, United States
4
Florida Christian University, Orlando, United States
5
State Health Secretariat of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
6
Association of Parents and Friends of Exceptional Children (APAE), Salvador, Brazil
7
State University of Bahia (UNEB), Salvador, Brazil
8
Rilza Valentim State Reference Center for People with Sickle Cell Disease, Salvador, Brazil
9
Hemoba Foundation of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A1367
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
This study aimed to profile Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) mortality in Bahia between 2010 and 2022, analyzing sociodemographic, geospatial, and temporal dimensions.
METHODS:
Linkage and deduplication were performed across six databases, classifying deaths as declared, presumed, and qualified. Temporal analyses with smoothing and forecasting were conducted, alongside thematic and flow maps to examine geospatial patterns.
RESULTS:
An estimated 9.86 deaths and 409.27 potential years of life lost (PYLL) due to SCD per 100,000 inhabitants were found in Bahia. The highest rates occurred among Black individuals, those under 1 year of age, males, residents of large municipalities, and in the East macro-region. People with SCD lose, on average, 41.49 years per death, 2.56 times more than the general population (95% CI: 2.02–3.34). Even in deaths occurring far from residence, the burden of lost years remains high. Spatial analysis revealed significant displacement for death in distant municipalities. The temporal trend points to a decrease until 2018, followed by an increase.
CONCLUSIONS:
The findings reinforce the urgent need for data qualification and interoperability in addressing the invisibility of SCD. The persistence of racial inequalities and the high burden of premature mortality highlight the necessity for targeted public health policies.
This study aimed to profile Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) mortality in Bahia between 2010 and 2022, analyzing sociodemographic, geospatial, and temporal dimensions.
METHODS:
Linkage and deduplication were performed across six databases, classifying deaths as declared, presumed, and qualified. Temporal analyses with smoothing and forecasting were conducted, alongside thematic and flow maps to examine geospatial patterns.
RESULTS:
An estimated 9.86 deaths and 409.27 potential years of life lost (PYLL) due to SCD per 100,000 inhabitants were found in Bahia. The highest rates occurred among Black individuals, those under 1 year of age, males, residents of large municipalities, and in the East macro-region. People with SCD lose, on average, 41.49 years per death, 2.56 times more than the general population (95% CI: 2.02–3.34). Even in deaths occurring far from residence, the burden of lost years remains high. Spatial analysis revealed significant displacement for death in distant municipalities. The temporal trend points to a decrease until 2018, followed by an increase.
CONCLUSIONS:
The findings reinforce the urgent need for data qualification and interoperability in addressing the invisibility of SCD. The persistence of racial inequalities and the high burden of premature mortality highlight the necessity for targeted public health policies.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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