OVERVIEW OF ADMISSIONS FOR ACUTE GASTROENTERITIS: AN EPIDEMIOLOGICAL PROFILE IN THE BRAZILIAN CONTEXT

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Acute gastroenteritis represents a significant challenge for public health, given its high incidence and impact on the population's quality of life. Brazil reveals a worrying incidence of the disease, with significant regional variations and disproportionate impacts on certain population groups. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the epidemiological profile in Brazil, from 2019 to 2024, according to the number of hospitalizations recorded per year, according to age, gender, age group, and list of morbidities. METHODOLOGY: This is a qualitative and quantitative study, of a cross-sectional and descriptive nature, of epidemiological data on hospitalizations for gastroenteritis, in Brazil from 2019 to 2024. The data were obtained through the SUS Information System (DATASUS).
RESULTS: 426,736 hospitalizations for acute gastroenteritis were reported, with the highest rate in 2019, with (n=119,306) 27.9%, and the lowest rate in 2021 with (n=71411) 59%. The most affected region was the Northeast region with (218,794) 51% of cases and the least affected region was the Central-West region with (n=27,435) 6.4% of cases. Among the most registered infections caused by specific pathogens, amoebiasis is found (n=3881) 0.9%. The highest prevalence was in early childhood aged 1-4 years, (n=91,466) 21.4% and the lowest prevalence was in adolescence, aged 10-14 years, with (n=20,970) 4.9%. Furthermore, females represent (n=217,444) 50.9% of cases.
CONCLUSION: Gastroenteritis is still a public health problem in Brazil, predominantly in the Northeast region, affecting more female children aged 1 to 4 years. Understanding these factors is essential to reduce the burden of gastroenteritis on the Brazilian healthcare system and improve the quality of life of the affected population.