HOSPITALIZATIONS FOR STROKE IN PARANÁ (2013-2023): A REFLECTION OF PREVENTION AND RISK FACTOR CONTROL IN PRIMARY HEALTH CARE

Abstract

This epidemiological, retrospective, and ecological study analyzed the evolution of hospital admissions due to Stroke in Paraná between 2013 and 2023, using them as an indicator of the effectiveness of Primary Health Care (PHC) in controlling Cardiovascular Risk Factors (CRFs). The results showed a significant and continuous increase in stroke hospitalizations (a 48.57% growth in the rate per 100,000 inhabitants) and a doubling of public expenditure during the period. The growing financial burden on the Unified Health System (SUS) highlights the challenge of preventing the acute outcomes of chronic diseases. The analysis demonstrated an inverse relationship between coverage of the Family Health Strategy (FHS) and hospitalization rates, confirming that the expansion of PHC is essential for reducing these events. Although the registration of patients with systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) and diabetes mellitus (DM) in HIPERDIA increased, the proportional rise in stroke cases suggests the need to improve monitoring mechanisms and continuity of care. It was concluded that the volume of hospital admissions is a robust indicator of the need for investment and qualification of PHC, with the strengthening of primary prevention being the most cost-effective strategy to mitigate stroke-related morbidity, mortality, and financial burden.