Place of Death of People With Chronic Conditions in Latin America: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Objective To identify the place of death and associated factors among individuals in Latin American countries, with a particular focus on chronic conditions and serious health-related suffering. Methods A systematic review was conducted across five databases in May 2024 following PRISMA guidelines. Eligible studies included data on the place of death of at least one Latin American country. Results Twenty-one studies with data from 12 Latin American countries were included. Hospital was the most frequent place of death in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Paraguay, and Uruguay, while home deaths predominated in Ecuador, El Salvador, and Guatemala. In Chile, Peru, and Mexico, the distribution was mixed, varying by population and clinical condition. Findings showed that older individuals and lower education were associated with an increased likelihood of home death. Marital status and urban residence showed mixed associations. A meta-analysis was not feasible due to high heterogeneity among the studies. Conclusion The place of death of people with chronic and serious health-related conditions in Latin America varies considerably, reflecting disparities in healthcare access, sociocultural values, and health system infrastructure. Findings highlight the need for country-specific, equity-oriented end-of-life care policies. Systematic Review Registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42024553349 .