Psychiatric hospitalizations in Brazil: exploratory and trend analysis from 2009 to 2019

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective: To examine the rates of psychiatric hospitalization and the average length of stay, in Brazil, from 2009 to 2019, according to sociodemographic variables and character of the hospitalization (elective or urgency). Methods: This is an ecological study, with data collected from the Hospital Information System of the Unified Health System (SIH/SUS). Hospital admission rates were described according to diagnosis, sex, and age group. Percentage variation and rate ratios were calculated. To evaluate the time series, the data were submitted to linear regression analysis. Results: The rate of hospitalization for mental disorders decreased from 14.2/10,000 in 2009 to 11.2 in 2019, with the most significant variation occurring between mental and behavioral disorders due to alcohol use. The men had about twice as many episodes as the women in all the years evaluated. Higher rates were found in the age group of 30 and 59 years. The length of stay also decreased in the period. Besides, the urgency character presented almost 82% of the total hospitalizations. Conclusions: There was a reduction in hospital admissions for mental disorders in the analyzed period, demonstrating the relevance of mental health care changes resulting from the Psychiatric Reform.