EPIDEMIOLOGICAL PROFILE OF PEDIATRIC DIABETES MELLITUS IN CASCAVEL-PR (2021–2024): A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS WITH THE NATIONAL CONTEXT

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the epidemiological profile of hospitalizations for type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) among children aged 5 to 14 years in the municipality of Cascavel, Paraná, Brazil, between 2021 and 2024, comparing it with the national scenario. This was a descriptive epidemiological study with a quantitative approach, based on data from the Department of Informatics of the Brazilian Unified Health System (DATASUS). Hospitalizations for T1DM recorded during the study period were included, considering variables such as year, sex, race/skin color, length of hospital stay, and average cost per hospitalization. In Brazil, 23,853 hospitalizations were recorded, with an 18% increase during the period, while 90 hospitalizations occurred in Cascavel, with an increase of 34%. A slight predominance of females was observed (51.1%). Regarding race/skin color, most hospitalizations occurred among White children (63.3%), followed by Brown (35.6%) and Black children (1.1%). The mean length of hospital stay was 6 days in Cascavel and 5.6 days in Brazil, while the average cost per hospitalization was BRL 1,528.71 and BRL 1,012.43, respectively. It was concluded that there was an increase in hospitalizations for T1DM among the pediatric population during the analyzed period, with similar patterns between the municipality and the national scenario, highlighting the need for public policies aimed at strengthening primary health care, particularly for early diagnosis and adequate management of diabetes mellitus in the pediatric population.