The sex differential in mortality a city of Southeastern Brazil: 1960, 1970, 1980

Male and female mortality rates were studied in Rio de Janeiro in 1960 1970 and 1980 by analyzing the different risks to which men and women are subject by age group. Mortality differentials by sex and cause were studied by means of male/female mortality ratios relative and absolute differences among rates and standardized rates. Differentials by selected groups of causes for 1980 were analyzed. In 1960 for every 100000 persons 326 more men died than women; 295 more in 1970; and 260 more in 1980. However age-specific excess male mortality that was 48% more in 1960 increased to 55% in 1970 and in 1980 male mortality was 62% higher than the female rate. The highest rates occurred in the 25-64 age group in 1960; in the 15-64 age group in 1970; and the excess male mortality was the most pronounced in the 15-34 age group in 1980. In this group male mortality was 4.5 times higher than the female rate in 1980 which can be explained by a 9% increase of the rate of mortality from 254.99/100000 in 1970 to 278.61/100000 in 1980. In the 15-24 age group of men the risk of dying from external causes increased by 28% from 169.15/100000 in 1970 to 217.14/100000 in 1980. Furthermore the female mortality rate decreased in this age group by 33% from 40.24/100000 in 1970 to 27.11/100000 in 1980 which rendered the excess male mortality 2 times higher in 1980. Also in the 25-44 age group external causes constituted a unique conjunct whose excess male mortality increased from 5.48 in 1070 to 7.34 in 1980 via the increase of male rate and drop of the female rate. Mortality of both sexes by other causes decreased mainly tuberculosis and pneumonia. Male mortality from homicides was 14 times higher than the female rate. However the excess male mortality from acute myocardial infarction was only 2.11 higher than the female rate. Biological determinants and different risks for men and women should be considered for better understanding of deaths from other causes.