THE EPIDEMIOLOGICAL PROFILE OF THE MAIN CHRONIC NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASES IN THE NORTHEAST

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) represent a serious public health problem in Brazil, accounting for 72% of deaths, especially among vulnerable populations. Objective: This study aims to investigate the epidemiological profile of NCDs in Northeast Brazil. Method: A quantitative longitudinal study was carried out using data from the Ministry of Health between 2014 and 2023, obtained through the DATASUS portal and the TABNET application. Information from the Hospital Information System (SIH) and the Mortality Information System (SIM) were organized and analyzed in Microsoft Excel. Results: Between 2014 and 2023, the Northeast region registered 2,041,652 hospitalizations for neoplasms, 430,750 for diabetes mellitus, and 503,177 deaths from NCDs. An increase in hospitalizations and deaths was observed from 2018 onwards. An inverse relationship was identified between hospitalization and mortality rates, showing that states with the most hospitalizations have lower mortality rates. It also showed that Rio Grande do Norte and Pernambuco had the highest hospitalization rates, while Paraíba and Piauí led the mortality rates in 2022. Conclusion: Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in the Northeast showed a gradual increase in hospitalization and mortality rates, with emphasis on neoplasms, diabetes and hypertensive diseases, suggesting the need to improve data collection, invest in training and strengthen public prevention policies.