DISTRIBUIÇÃO TEMPORAL DAS NOTIFICAÇÕES POR HEPATITE A NAS MACRORREGIÕES BRASILEIRAS

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To describe the temporal distribution of Hepatitis A notifications in the Brazilian macro-regions from 2014 to 2024, analyzing the epidemiological profile and incidence coefficient of the disease. METHODOLOGY: This is an epidemiological, descriptive, time-series study conducted using secondary data obtained from the SINAN through the TABNET/DATASUS platform. Confirmed Hepatitis A notifications (ICD-10: B15) registered in the Brazilian macro-regions between 2014 and 2024 were included. Data were organized in Microsoft Excel spreadsheets and analyzed using descriptive statistics, including absolute and relative frequencies and incidence coefficient calculation. RESULTS: A total of 34,224 Hepatitis A cases were identified during the analyzed period. The highest number of notifications occurred in 2014, corresponding to 29.76% of the cases. The North region presented the highest concentration of notifications and the highest cumulative incidence coefficient, with 111.02 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, highlighting the strong association between the occurrence of the disease and socio-environmental factors, such as poor sanitation, limited access to treated water, and social vulnerability. A significant reduction in notifications was observed after the implementation of the Hepatitis A vaccine in the National Immunization Program, although a recent increase in cases was identified in some regions of the country. There was a predominance of male cases and a total of 232 deaths related to the disease during the study period. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that Hepatitis A still presents epidemiological relevance in Brazil, especially in regions marked by social and structural inequalities. Despite the advances achieved through vaccination, disease control depends on strengthening epidemiological surveillance actions, expanding vaccination coverage, investing in basic sanitation, and developing health education strategies aimed at vulnerable populations. Keywords: Hepatitis A; Epidemiological surveillance; Incidence; Public health; Basic sanitation.