DIARRHEA AND PRESUMPTIVE INFECTIOUS GASTROENTERITIS IN CHILDREN FROM THE NORTHEAST: EPIDEMIOLOGY OF HOSPITALIZATIONS (2019-2023)

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Diarrhea and gastroenteritis of presumptive infectious origin (CID A09) are classified as acute diarrheal diseases, characterized by at least three episodes of acute diarrhea within a 24-hour period. These conditions can lead to severe complications in children, often necessitating hospitalization. OBJECTIVE: To describe the epidemiology of hospitalizations due to diarrhea and presumptive infectious gastroenteritis in children from the Northeast region between 2019 and 2023. METHODOLOGY: This is a descriptive, retrospective, and quantitative study focusing on hospitalizations for diarrhea and infectious gastroenteritis in children up to 14 years old in the Northeast region from January 2019 to December 2023. Data were collected from the SUS Hospital Information System (SIH/SUS) via DATASUS. Variables considered included region/federative unit, year/month of processing, age group, sex, race/color, and total value. Data analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel, with results presented in tables and charts in Microsoft Word. RESULTS: Between January 2019 and December 2023, there were 88,542 hospitalizations for diarrhea and gastroenteritis of presumptive infectious origin in children up to 14 years old in the Northeast region. The peak of hospitalizations occurred in 2019, with 23,821 cases, followed by significant reductions in 2020 and 2021. Most hospitalizations occurred between December and March. Maranhão recorded the highest number of hospitalizations (31,146), while Sergipe had the lowest (1,899). Male children were more affected (52.69%), and the age group of 1 to 4 years was the most impacted (50.58%). The majority of cases were among individuals identifying as mixed-race (71.62%). The total cost associated with hospitalizations was R$ 32,262,847.03. CONCLUSION: The analysis indicates that hospitalizations are more frequent among children aged 1 to 4 years, male, and mixed-race individuals, residing in Maranhão. It is crucial to ensure access to adequate sanitation infrastructure, promote awareness about food hygiene, and provide efficient medical services to prevent an increase in hospitalizations.