EPIDEMIOLOGICAL PROFILE OF ALCOHOLIC LIVER DISEASE IN DIFFERENT REGIONS OF BRAZIL: AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Introduction: Alcohol consumption is a widespread practice among the Brazilian population. Among the harms of chronic alcohol use is alcoholic liver disease, which ranges from hepatic steatosis to alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis. Objective: This study aims to describe the epidemiological profile of hospital admissions due to alcoholic liver disease in Brazilian regions from 2013 to 2023. It is an ecological, descriptive study with a quantitative approach. Methodology: Data were obtained from the Hospital Information System through the Department of Informatics of the Brazilian Unified Health System. The variables analyzed included age groups from 5–9 years to 80 years or older, year of admission, sex, race/ethnicity, type of care, and mortality. Results: A total of 177,830 hospitalizations for alcoholic liver disease were recorded during the study period, with the highest concentration in the Southeast region (43.82%). The year 2013 had the highest number of hospitalizations, with 17,412 cases. Male patients predominated in all Brazilian regions. The 50–59 age group and mixed-race individuals were the most affected. Emergency admissions were the most frequent, accounting for 94.14% of cases, and the Southeast region had the highest number of deaths, totaling 14,965. Conclusion: Finally, the data found reflect sociodemographic inequalities, alcohol consumption patterns, and limitations in access to health services. Therefore, knowledge of epidemiology is essential for the early and optimized management of this group of patients, making it possible to implement public policies aimed at this profile.