Hepatite C: um problema de saúde pública?

Abstract

The objective of this research is to identify the epidemiological behavior of hepatitis C in Brazil, focusing on the Rio Grande do Sul (RS) and Cachoeira do Sul, through the production of indicators. It is a documentary, a retrospective study from the research of secondary data obtained from the Information System for Notifiable Diseases of the Ministry of Health (SINAN). The results showed that in Brazil the epidemic has stabilized in RS there is a growing number of new cases, and in Cachoeira do Sul numbers are fickle. There was a prevalence of viral hepatitis caused by Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and RS only was the state with the highest incidence, while Cachoeira do Sul was the 127 of the state. Most reports pointing aged 40 to 59 years, male and chronic form / carrier of the disease. The study demonstrated the spread of the epidemic, especially in state territory, and the importance of notifications of new cases process, and outline a plan of action for tackling this public health problem in Cachoeira do Sul The expected impact is the production of indicators more reliable to local conditions, which contribute to the process of public health management, and served as the basis for construction of public policies aimed at tackling this epidemic.