title: [Male mortality in three Brazilian state capitals, 1979-2007].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In Brazil, there is a higher male mortality in almost all ages and causes. The objective is to estimate and describe the trend in male mortality, between 1979/2007, in three State Capitals (São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Porto Alegre).
  
  
  METHODS
  The study populations refer to the residents in the three cities, in 1979/1981, 1990/1992, 1999/2001 and 2005/2007, and their deaths. The data source was Health Information System of the Brazilian Ministry of Health. Overall (crude/standardized) and specific mortality coefficients were calculated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Up to 24 years, men predominate in the population; after, it has been observed higher female participation and gender ratios ever lower. This fact is associated with high male mortality and the intense involvement of young men with external causes. Throughout the series, these causes were responsible for large risk estimates of male death. In 2005/2007, this group was the leading cause of death in men until the age 40-44 years. In the following age groups, deaths by circulatory system diseases are the main cause.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These capitals show features of a developing city, with reduced fertility, increased longevity and consequent trend to an aging population. Estimates of the men high risk of dying make clear their vulnerability. The intensity with these events occur demand actions that will reduce the mortality rates of preventable diseases and the men's risky behaviors. It is necessary that men adopt healthier lifestyles habits, thus increasing life expectancy and reducing the gender differences in mortalities.
authors.affiliation: Faculdade de Saúde Pública da Universidade de São Paulo, Departamento de Epidemiologia, Av. Dr. Arnaldo 715, São Paulo, SP, Brazil. carolinaterra@usp.br
authors.forename: Carolina Terra de Moraes
authors.initials: CT
authors.lastname: Luizaga
authors.forename: Sabina Léa Davidson
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Gotlieb
mesh_terms: D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D002423:Cause of Death; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D054526:Men's Health; D009026:Mortality / Q000639:trends*; D017678:Sex Distribution; D013997:Time Factors; D014504:Urban Health