Keywords
Hospitalization
SARS
COVID-19
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Abstract
Objective: To analyze trends in average hospital stay times for COVID-19 in the Northeast region of Brazil between 2020 and 2022. Methods: Ecological time-series study based on 248,330 hospitalizations reported in the Influenza Epidemiological Surveillance Information System. Adults aged ≥18 years with confirmed COVID-19 and hospital stays of up to 90 days were included. The mean length of stay (from admission to discharge or death) was calculated by epidemiological week in each state. Temporal trends were assessed using the Joinpoint Regression Program. Results: Variations in average length of stay were observed among states and across the years of the pandemic. Sergipe had the highest average hospitalization time (19.1 days), while Rio Grande do Norte had the lowest (9.0 days). Patients discharged alive had shorter hospitalizations compared to those who died. Trends were not homogeneous, and no consistent regional pattern was identified. Conclusion: The differences observed suggest disparities in hospital infrastructure and health service organization. Policies for hospital restructuring and standardized care protocols are needed to address health demands during epidemic and non-epidemic periods.
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