THE EPIDEMIOLOGICAL PROFILE OF MENINGITIS IN THE STATE OF GOIÁS BETWEEN 2010 AND 2020

Abstract

Meningitis is a disease resulting from inflammation of the meninges of an infectious nature, generally caused by bacteria and viruses. It is known that the disease is a serious public health problem and is part of the National List of Compulsory Notification of Diseases, Conditions and Public Health Events. Given the high mortality and morbidity of meningitis, it is extremely important to know the epidemiological profile of the pathology in question for the development of health measures to combat the disease. The objective of the present work was to evaluate and describe the epidemiological profile of meningitis in the state of Goiás from 2010 to 2020, highlighting which etiological agents were most prevalent and how the distribution occurred between sex, age group and serogroups, also evaluating the evolution of the disease. The research was carried out through a qualitative and retrospective study using data collected in the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN), analyzed and listed using descriptive statistics. As a result, it was seen that, in the state of Goiás, the disease occurs more predominantly in males, aged between 20 and 39 years. Furthermore, meningitis of viral etiology was the most involved in meningitis cases, but was not responsible for the highest death rate. Meningitis of undefined bacterial etiology was responsible for the highest percentage of deaths. In areas with a higher population concentration, meningitis occurred in greater numbers. It was concluded, from the study, that meningitis was established during the decade analyzed, and still is a public health problem, despite the reduction over the years, which deserves special attention. In this sense, the need for vaccination coverage and other more efficient prophylaxis methods is highlighted.