CHANGES IN THE EPIDEMIOLOGICAL PROFILE OF RESPIRATORY DISEASES IN CHILDREN IN PARANÁ AFTER THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Abstract

Respiratory diseases are a major cause of hospitalization and mortality among the Brazilian pediatric population—particularly in children under four years of age—with community-acquired pneumonia, viral bronchiolitis, and asthma being the most prominent conditions. Despite advances in prevention and treatment protocols, these conditions continue to pose a significant challenge to the healthcare system. In this context, the COVID-19 pandemic brought about significant changes in the epidemiological profile of these diseases, largely due to the adoption of non-pharmacological measures—such as social distancing, mask-wearing, and enhanced hygiene—which resulted in reduced circulation of respiratory viruses during 2020 and 2021. However, as these measures were relaxed starting in 2022, an increase in the incidence of these infections was observed; this was frequently associated with altered seasonality and spikes occurring at unusual times—a phenomenon linked to the so-called "immunity debt." Furthermore, changes in the organization of health services during the pandemic may have influenced hospital admission patterns. In the state of Paraná, these changes may exhibit specific characteristics, underscoring the importance of regional analyses. Thus, this study aims to investigate changes in the epidemiological profile of hospitalizations for respiratory diseases in children during the post-pandemic period, thereby contributing to the planning of surveillance strategies and health interventions.