MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY OF CROHN'S DISEASE AND ULCERATIVE COLITIS IN YOUNG ADULTS IN BRAZIL (2021-2025) AND THEIR ECONOMIC IMPACTS ON PUBLIC HEALTH

Abstract

Introduction: Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are the main Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD), of immune-mediated nature and chronic course, predominantly affecting young adults and generating high demand for health services and increased healthcare costs. This study aimed to analyze the morbidity and mortality of these diseases in young adults in Brazil, from 2021 to 2025, as well as their economic impacts on public health. Methodology: Descriptive-analytical epidemiological study, with a quantitative approach, carried out using secondary data from DATASUS/TABNET. Results: An increase in hospitalizations was observed throughout the period, with relative stability in deaths, concentration of cases in the Southeast region and higher lethality in the North. Young adults presented a higher number of hospitalizations and hospital costs, with a predominance of emergency care, highlighting regional inequalities and weaknesses in early diagnosis and continuous follow-up, which contribute to the increase in hospital costs. Conclusion: The findings indicate that Inflammatory Bowel Diseases impose an increasing burden on the health system, with regional inequalities and weaknesses in continuous care, reinforcing the importance of timely diagnosis and strengthening health care.