[Inequalities in the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires: mortality, fertility and demographic structure].

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to quantify the inequalities observed in the autonomous city of Buenos Aires in three dimensions related to the health status of the population: mortality, fertility, and demographic structure.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An observational, quantitative, cross-sectional study was carried out using data from the Vital Statistics and the 2010 National Census of Population and Housing. Indicators were calculated to measure three areas of the dimensions mentioned above in the autonomous city of Buenos Aires (north, center, and south areas).

RESULTS

A high level of inequality was observed in the dimensions studied. Compared to the best performing area, the southern zone had a 20% higher mortality rate, a four-year lower life expectancy, and a 50% higher fertility rate. Moreover, the study found that the level of aging in the southern zone was roughly two thirds of the most aged area.

CONCLUSIONS

The evidence reinforce the previous characterization of the southern area of Buenos Aires as socioeconomically segregated, with values similar to those of populations with inadequate living conditions. On the other hand, no significant differences were found between the northern and central areas.