Write a PREreview

Objective: To analyze the epidemiological profile, spatial distribution, and temporal trends of Hospitalizations for Primary Care Sensitive Conditions (PCSC) in Northeastern Brazil between 2015 and 2024. Methods: This ecological, descriptive study employed spatial and temporal analyses using data from the Hospital Information System of the Brazilian Unified Health System (SIH/SUS), available through DATASUS. The analyzed variables included year of diagnosis, state of residence, age group, sex, and race/skin color. Incidence rates were estimated per 100,000 inhabitants, and temporal trends were assessed using Joinpoint regression analysis. Results: There were 16,713,834 recorded hospitalizations.The highest incidence rates were observed for infectious and parasitic diseases (540.89 per 100,000 inhabitants), followed by diseases of the digestive (529.39 per 100,000), respiratory (518.40 per 100,000), and circulatory systems (457.35 per 100,000). The highest incidence was identified among individuals aged 60–69 years (374.91 per 100,000 inhabitants), with predominance among females and self-reported mixed-race (Parda) individuals. The states of Rio Grande do Norte, Paraíba, and Sergipe showed statistically significant increasing trends in PCSC incidence rates during the post-pandemic period. Conclusion: PCSC hospitalizations remained high in Northeastern Brazil throughout the study period, with differences observed across populationgroups and states. These findings reinforce the importance of strengthening Primary Health Care and implementing public policies aimed at reducing regional inequalities and preventing avoidable hospitalizations.