MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL DISORDERS DUE TO ALCOHOL USE IN THE ELDERLY POPULATION IN BRAZIL: TRENDS AND POPULATION IMPACT BETWEEN 2010 AND 2024

Abstract

This article aimed to analyze the epidemiological profile, temporal trends, regional variations, and mortality patterns of mental and behavioral disorders related to alcohol use among the Brazilian elderly between 2010 and 2024. This is a descriptive ecological study based on secondary data from the Hospital Information System of the Unified Health System (SIH/SUS), using the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10 F10). Individuals aged 60 years or older were included, considering variables such as processing year, region, federative unit, age group, sex, and color/race. Rates were calculated based on population estimates from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). During the analyzed period, 64,935 hospitalizations were recorded, with the highest occurrence in 2023 and 2024, predominating among men (90%) and elderly individuals aged 60 to 69 years. The South Region concentrated the highest proportion of cases, followed by the Southeast and Northeast regions. Regarding race/color, a higher frequency was observed among white individuals, followed by mixed-race (Pardos). A total of 980 deaths were identified, mainly among men and in the Southeast and South regions. It is concluded that the abusive use of alcohol represents a relevant public health problem among the elderly, reinforcing the need for specific and regionalized public policies.