An Epidemiological Analysis of the Profile of Hospitalizations Due to Traumatic Brain Injury in Brazil from 2019 to 2023

Abstract

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality, especially among young adults. With long-term repercussions, it constitutes a public health issue that requires a better understanding of Brazilian demographic data. Given the scarcity of epidemiological studies in this regard, the present study aims to provide a better understanding of the topic through a spatiotemporal analysis of TBI hospitalizations between 2019 and 2023. For this purpose, data were collected from the Brazilian Unified Health System's Morbidity Information System (SIM), based on variables such as age group, sex, race/ethnicity, and geographic location by regions of Brazil. The results showed a steady increase in hospitalization records, peaking in 2023, with the highest prevalence of cases throughout the period in the Southeast region (58.72%), affecting males more frequently (75.45%), mixed race individuals (44.66%), and those between 20 and 29 years of age. These findings support previous epidemiological research analyses regarding demographic variables, as well as suggest potential causality relationships, especially concerning the observed predominance regarding sex, age, and race/ethnicity data, considering their relationship with groups described in the literature as more vulnerable to brain injuries. Nevertheless, future studies need to be conducted to assess possible underreporting of groups with lower hospitalization rates, despite being considered susceptible to TBI (such as the elderly and women), and to elucidate the causes of the disparity observed in the epidemiological distribution across Brazilian territory concerning location and time of year.