EPIDEMIOLOGICAL PROFILE OF HOSPITALIZATIONS FOR OSTEOMYELITIS BETWEEN 2010 AND 2024 IN ARAPIRACA, ALAGOAS

Abstract

Introduction: Osteomyelitis (OM), a bone infection with a significant impact on patients' quality of life, lacks regional epidemiological studies to support the planning of public health strategies. Objective: Analyze the epidemiological profile of hospitalizations due to OM in Arapiraca (AL), from 2010 to 2024. Methods: A quantitative, cross-sectional, descriptive study that used secondary data from the Hospital Information System (SIH/SUS), analyzing variables such as location, establishment, gender, color/race, and age group. Results: Most cases were concentrated in the municipality of Arapiraca (56.7%), significantly exceeding the data for the state capital (p<0.001). The disease was more prevalent among males (74.8%), young adults (20–39 years) (41.2%), and the mixed-race population (94.4%), reflecting demographic, occupational, and clinical factors, with all differences being statistically significant (p < 0.001). Conclusion: It can be concluded that Arapiraca is a hub for OM hospitalizations. The results contribute to regional knowledge of OM and can inform public policies, intervention strategies, and epidemiological surveillance, as well as guide future research to investigate the causal factors of the OM profile in the agreste region of Alagoas.