Spatial patterns of avoidable fetal mortality and social deprivation.

The social deprivation index selected two factors that, together, explained 77.63% of the total variance. The preventable fetal mortality rate increased among strata of social need, with rates of 8.0 per thousand births (low deprivation), 8.1 per thousand (medium deprivation), 8.8 per thousand (high deprivation), and 10.7 per thousand (very high social deprivation). Some municipalities in the São Francisco and Sertão Mesoregions had both high fetal and preventable fetal mortality, in addition to a very high social deprivation rate. Conclusion: The spatial analysis identified areas with the highest risk for fetal mortality. The social deprivation index listed some determinants of fetal deaths in areas with worse living conditions. Priority areas for intervention in public policies to reduce fetal mortality and its determinants were detected.