INCIDENCE OF SCHIZOPHRENIA IN THE POPULATION OF PERNAMBUCO: AN ANALYSIS FROM NATIONAL HEALTH INDICATORS

Abstract

Introduction: Schizophrenia is idiopathic chronic psychosis characterized by distortions of thought, perception, inadequacy and affective dullness. The main risk factors are connected by genetic, neurobiological and psychosocial functions. In Brazil, it is estimated that over 2.5 million people are carriers of the disease, alarming given the social damage that the disease can bring. Objective: To analyze the prevalence data in new cases of schizophrenia from 2014 to 2018 by sample of municipalities in the state of Pernambuco with more than 100 new cases in the period. Methodology: It is a study in secondary databases, conducted from the Basic Data indicators of Brazil, an integral tool of the health information system, using quantitative analysis of variables. Results: There was a 25% reduction in new cases in 2018 compared to 2014. The municipality of Garanhuns had the largest absolute and relative reduction of new cases in the period, from 467 to 6.. The cities of Caruaru, Serra talhada and Igarassu also had a reduction in the number of cases. In contrast, in the municipality of Araripina there was an increase in the number of cases in the period. In the municipality of Recife there was the highest incidence among the municipalities, with 7,209 hospitalizations, 66% of the total cases in the state. Discussion: With the exception of the municipality of Araripina, it is generally observed that there were significant reductions in the number of new cases when evaluating the totality of the municipalities of Pernambuco. This may be associated with the expansion of preventive public health education policies aimed at raising awareness of the population about the disease, improving the effectiveness of treatment over the years and the assistance of multiprofessional health teams in psychosocial care centers, with a view to reintegration of these patients in the social context and reduction of public expenses related to hospitalizations. Conclusion: Data analysis showed the effectiveness of multiprofessional programs and public policies related to schizophrenia in Pernambuco. The decreasing number of new cases over the years is evident and reflects greater state assistance with the population’s mental health.