Frequency of emergency medical service utilization in sickle cell disease patients in Brazil
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15517/2tyfhj56Keywords:
Sickle Cell Disease, Emergency Medical Services, HospitalizationAbstract
Introduction: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic condition with serious complications, frequently necessitating emergency medical attention. This study aimed to analyze the frequency of emergency department visits among patients with sickle cell disease in Brazil. Materials and Methods: This quantitative, retrospective study analyzed 116,199 emergency medical records from 18,381 SCD patients between 2006 and 2022. A zero-truncated Poisson regression model was employed to assess regional heterogeneity in the search for these services. Results: The findings indicated that patients in the Northeast, North, and Southeast regions had a lower frequency of emergency hospitalizations compared to those in the Central-West. No significant difference was observed in the South. Additionally, male and elderly patients sought emergency care with greater frequency. Conclusions: These results highlight significant regional disparities and the influence of sex and age on emergency service utilization among SCD patients in Brazil. This information is crucial for planning public health strategies and improving care for this vulnerable population, facilitating the implementation of more effective preventive measures and health policies.
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