[Analysis of potentially avoidable hospitalizations in chronic diseases]

To analyze indicators of potentially avoidable hospitalizations obtained through the minimum basic data set for chronic disease management and improving the quality of care.

A descriptive retrospective study evaluating gender differences included hospital discharge records from 342 hospitals in the National Health System. The indicators and axes of analysis were from 2021, and the information included the following general data: total discharges, mean stay, mean age, and mortality rate. Four groups of indicators of potentially avoidable hospitalizations were analyzed: diabetes and its complications, cardiovascular disease and hypertension, respiratory and pulmonary diseases, and other acute and chronic conditions.

Women have a higher risk of mortality in congestive heart failure (RR=1.35) and diabetes with acute complications. Men have higher mortality rates in respiratory diseases such as COPD and asthma. In acute conditions, there are no significant differences in mortality, but in chronic conditions, women have a higher risk. In diabetes, women have higher mortality from acute complications (RR=1.42), while men face a higher risk of chronic complications.

The study reveals variations in mortality and hospitalization associated with cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, and diabetes, with significant differences by gender. Women have higher mortality from acute complications of diabetes, while men have higher mortality from chronic diseases. These findings support the need for a personalized approach to treatment and prevention, considering the specificities of each gender.