A diverse group of people walk towards a vibrant sunrise in the Minas Gerais landscape, symbolizing increased life expectancy.

Closing the Gap: Understanding the Health Disparities Between Men and Women in South Minas Gerais

Nico Varela in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"A Deep Dive into Mortality Trends, Life Expectancy, and Key Health Indicators in a Brazilian Region Undergoing Epidemiological Transition"

Across the globe, increasing life expectancy signals a triumph of modern healthcare and improved living conditions. Yet, beneath this overarching trend lie critical disparities, most notably, the differences in health outcomes and lifespans between men and women. Understanding these gender-based variations is crucial for crafting effective public health strategies.

In Brazil, despite overall improvements in mortality rates and life expectancy, certain factors, such as deaths from violence that disproportionately affect men, can widen the gap in lifespan between the sexes. However, recent studies in São Paulo indicate that this gap may be narrowing, highlighting the complex and region-specific nature of these trends.

This article delves into a detailed analysis of mortality differences between men and women in the South Minas Gerais macroregion of Brazil, examining data from 2002 and 2012. By exploring these trends, we aim to uncover the key factors driving these disparities and inform targeted interventions to promote health equity.

Decoding the Data: How We Measured Mortality Differences

A diverse group of people walk towards a vibrant sunrise in the Minas Gerais landscape, symbolizing increased life expectancy.

To accurately assess the disparities in mortality between men and women, data on deaths, categorized by sex, age group, and cause, were obtained from Brazil's Mortality Information System (SIM), available through the Department of Informatics of the Unified Health System (DATASUS). Population data, stratified by age and sex, was also collected from DATASUS, with a reference date of July 1st for both 2002 and 2012.

The analysis of mortality differences relied on three key indicators:

Life Expectancy Gap: The difference in life expectancy at birth between women and men.
Sex Ratio of Mortality Rates: A comparison of mortality rates between sexes across different age groups.
Age Group Contribution to the Gap: Identifying which age groups contribute most significantly to the overall difference in life expectancy.

Furthermore, the research examined the primary causes of death affecting the population, categorized by sex and age group, to pinpoint the most pressing health concerns in the region.

Looking Ahead: Towards a More Equitable Future

The findings underscore the persistent disparities in mortality between men and women in South Minas Gerais, highlighting the urgent need for targeted public health interventions. As the population continues to age, addressing the specific health challenges faced by older adults, particularly women, will be crucial for closing the life expectancy gap and promoting health equity across all segments of society. Further research, employing decomposition methods to analyze the contribution of various age groups and causes of death, will provide a more nuanced understanding of these complex dynamics and inform effective strategies for improving health outcomes in the region.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1590/1414-462x201500010005, Alternate LINK

Title: Diferenciais De Mortalidade Entre Homens E Mulheres: Sul De Minas Gerais, 2002 E 2012

Subject: Pharmacology (medical)

Journal: Cadernos Saúde Coletiva

Publisher: FapUNIFESP (SciELO)

Authors: Larissa Gonçalves Souza, Pamila Cristina Lima Siviero

Published: 2015-03-01

Everything You Need To Know

What specific indicators are used to measure mortality differences between men and women?

The disparities in mortality between men and women in South Minas Gerais were measured using three key indicators: the **Life Expectancy Gap**, which is the difference in life expectancy at birth between women and men; the **Sex Ratio of Mortality Rates**, which compares mortality rates between sexes across different age groups; and the **Age Group Contribution to the Gap**, which identifies which age groups contribute most significantly to the overall difference in life expectancy. These indicators help to quantify and understand the extent of the health disparities.

What is the purpose of examining the primary causes of death in the research?

The research examines the primary causes of death affecting the population in South Minas Gerais, categorized by sex and age group. By analyzing this data, the research aims to pinpoint the most pressing health concerns in the region. This includes identifying the specific diseases, conditions, or external factors that contribute most significantly to mortality differences between men and women. Understanding these causes is essential for developing targeted interventions.

Why is the Life Expectancy Gap an important indicator?

The **Life Expectancy Gap** is significant because it directly reflects the overall health and well-being differences between men and women. It quantifies the difference in the average lifespan between the sexes, highlighting the magnitude of health disparities. The study in South Minas Gerais uses this gap to understand how much longer women live on average compared to men, revealing important insights into health outcomes and the impact of various factors.

How does the Sex Ratio of Mortality Rates help in understanding health disparities?

The **Sex Ratio of Mortality Rates** provides a comparative view of mortality rates across different age groups, revealing when and how mortality rates differ between men and women in South Minas Gerais. Analyzing the sex ratio highlights specific age groups where one sex experiences significantly higher mortality. This information helps identify critical periods or life stages where men or women face greater health risks, guiding focused interventions and health promotion initiatives.

Where does the research get its data from and what kind of data is used?

The data used to assess the mortality differences in South Minas Gerais were obtained from Brazil's Mortality Information System (SIM), available through the Department of Informatics of the Unified Health System (DATASUS). The data was categorized by sex, age group, and cause of death. Population data, stratified by age and sex, was also collected from DATASUS. The use of these data sources ensures the research is based on comprehensive and reliable information, enabling accurate analysis of the mortality trends and differences between men and women.