Hepatitis B Hospitalizations in Brazil: Temporal and Regional Patterns from 2008 to 2023

Hepatitis B remains a significant global public health concern, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, where prevention and control measures often face challenges. In Brazil, substantial efforts have been made over the years to combat the burden caused by hepatitis B through public health interventions, including vaccination programs, antenatal screening, and prevention of vertical transmission. However, despite these advancements, disparities in disease trends persist across regions and vulnerable populations, requiring ongoing analysis and intervention. This study aimed to analyze the trend in hospital admissions for hepatitis B in Brazil from 2008 to 2023. Data were collected from the SUS Hospital Information System. Statistical analyses were conducted using the Joinpoint Regression Program (version 5.0.2), applying a 5% significance level to identify significant trends over the study period. A total of 19,735 hospitalizations for hepatitis B were recorded during the study period. The overall trend showed a significant decline in hospital admissions, reflecting the effectiveness of public health interventions such as expanded vaccination coverage, screening programs, and prevention strategies. Despite this overall decline, notable regional disparities were observed. The midwest region exhibited an increasing trend in hospitalizations, contrasting with the national decline. Furthermore, a concerning rise in hospital admissions among infants under one year of age was identified, indicating potential shortcomings in the prevention of the vertical transmission of the virus. This study highlights both the successes and persistent challenges in controlling hepatitis B hospitalizations in Brazil. Maintaining high vaccination coverage and implementing targeted public health campaigns for vulnerable populations are crucial for sustaining progress. The regional disparities and failures in vertical transmission prevention require continued attention and intervention to advance toward the goal of eliminating hepatitis B as a public health threat in Brazil.