Hospitalizations in the public health system and mining disasters in Mariana and Brumadinho, Brazil

Abstract

Background: Mining occupies a prominent place in Brazil, which, if observed, means that one must work with the contingencies that arise from its activity. Mining disasters, such as those in Mariana and Brumadinho, exemplify the impact on the health system and are models for similar situations, so the study sought to investigate the impact of these disasters on hospital admissions in the Brazilian public health system. Methods: Through segmented regression, we sought to assess possible changes in the variables HAA (authorized hospital admissions), total admission value, and mortality rate in Mariana and Brumadinho. This measurement method allows the researcher to identify changes during the study period. Results: The​​​​​​​ study observed significant changes in the variable mortality rate in the city of Brumadinho. Although the other variables, both in Mariana and Brumadinho, do not present a level of significance compatible with possible effects, we can still say that they present a trend that can be inferred as an effect of the disaster. Conclusions: The mining disaster significantly changed the mortality profile in the city of Brumadinho, with implications for the health system. In Mariana, there have been no objective changes, but there is evidence of potential impacts.