ESTUDO EPIDEMIOLÓGICO DAS INTERNAÇÕES POR INFARTO CEREBRAL NO BRASIL, ENTRE 2019 E 2023

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Cerebral infarction, the leading cause of stroke, is a serious neurological condition with high mortality and disability rates. This epidemiological study aims to analyze hospital admissions for cerebral infarction in Brazil between 2019 and 2023, identifying trends, risk factors, and regional variations, with the aim of supporting public policies and strategies for prevention and treatment of the disease. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to quantify and analyze the rates of hospitalizations for cerebral infarction in Brazil. METHODOLOGY: The retrospective study with a quantitative approach used data from the SUS Hospital Information System (SIH/SUS), provided by the SUS Information Technology Department (TABNET/DATASUS). The analysis covered hospitalizations for cerebral infarction in Brazil from January 2019 to December 2023, using descriptive statistics and tabulation in Microsoft Excel 2016 and Microsoft Word 10 spreadsheets. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Between 2019 and 2023, hospitalizations for cerebral infarction in Brazil showed regional variations, with emphasis on the Southeast and Northeast regions, which concentrated most of the cases. The North region had the lowest numbers, reflecting inequalities in access to health care. The total number of hospitalizations increased over the years, which may indicate changes in the health pattern of the population, possibly influenced by factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic. CONCLUSION: The analysis of hospitalizations for cerebral infarction in Brazil between 2019 and 2023 highlights the persistence of this condition as a public health challenge, evidencing regional inequalities and the impact of the pandemic. It is crucial to invest in prevention policies, education and improvements in access to medical care to reduce morbidity and mortality and promote the health of the population in an equitable manner.