PREVALENCE OF HOSPITALIZATIONS FOR COVID-19 IN A REFERENCE HOSPITAL IN THE STATE OF PARAÍBA IN 2024

The objective of this study is to profile COVID-19 hospitalizations at a referral hospital in the state of Paraíba, managed by Empresa Brasileira e Serviços Hospitalares (Brazilian Hospital Services Company). An exploratory, cross-sectional, and retrospective approach was used, employing quantitative and qualitative analysis. Data were collected from secondary sources, specifically DATASUS, which provides information on the profile of COVID-19 hospitalizations at a referral hospital in the state of Paraíba. Prevalence calculations revealed that COVID-19 hospitalizations account for 49.58% of cases, highlighting the importance of prevention strategies, mass testing, and the intensification of disease control and prevention policies. It is worth noting that, despite advances, the disease represents a significant public health challenge, resulting in a high morbidity and mortality rate in the country. It was observed that the high prevalence of hospitalizations due to COVID-19, even with the reduction in mortality from the respective disease in the region and in the state, is related to the drop in adherence to vaccination and respiratory etiquette measures. However, the groups and risks still represent greater vulnerability to the disease, which may progress to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and death