EPIDEMIOLOGICAL PROFILE ANALYSIS OF HOSPITALIZATIONS FOR ASTHMA IN BRAZIL: A STUDY FROM 2019 TO 2023

Abstract

Asthma is a chronic lung condition characterized by variable airflow obstruction and hyperresponsiveness of the airways. Its classification, based on inflammation of helper T cells (Th2), distinguishes between eosinophilic (Th2-high) and non-eosinophilic (Th2-low) forms. Affecting approximately 23.2% of the Brazilian population, asthma remains a significant public health challenge. This study aims to analyze asthma hospitalizations in different regions of Brazil between the years 2019 and 2023. It is an ecological study of time series type, using secondary data available from the Hospital Information System of the Unified Health System (SIH/SUS) during the mentioned period. The variables analyzed include hospitalizations by place of admission, region/federal unit, age group, sex, mortality rate, deaths, average length of stay, average cost, and total cost of hospitalization. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results show a general increase in the total number of hospitalizations during the study period, with a notable decline in 2020, possibly related to the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by more moderate growth rates in subsequent years. Rates varied by region, sex, and age group, presenting distinct patterns over the period. Regional variations are significant, with differences in hospitalization patterns and associated costs, highlighting the need for public health strategies adapted to local specificities. Additionally, comorbidities such as obesity and environmental factors play significant roles in the expression and severity of asthma, while the COVID-19 pandemic introduced new challenges in disease management. Significant trends and regional variations were observed, underscoring the complexity of asthma and the need for tailored public health strategies to mitigate its impact.