Objective:

To assess sex-specific differences in hospitalization rates for Parkinson’s disease (PD) in Brazil over a 15-year period.

Background:

Sex differences in PD epidemiology and outcomes have been reported globally. Characterizing disparities in hospitalization burden may inform public health planning, healthcare resource allocation, and early intervention strategies.

Design/Methods:

Nationwide hospital admission data for PD were obtained from the national hospital information system for 2010–2024. Resident population estimates were used to calculate hospitalization rates per 1,000,000 inhabitants for males and females. Descriptive statistics included mean values and graphical distribution analysis. Statistical tests included Shapiro–Wilk for normality, paired t-test, and Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Effect size was estimated using Cohen’s d. To account for serial autocorrelation, Durbin–Watson and Ljung–Box tests were applied, and Newey–West (HAC) standard errors were used to obtain robust estimates. All analyses were performed in Python 3.10.12.

Results:

A total of 14,038 hospitalizations were analyzed, with an overall mean rate of 4.57 per 1,000,000 inhabitants. Males showed significantly higher rates (mean = 5.48) compared to females (mean = 3.70). Normality of differences was confirmed (Shapiro–Wilk W = 0.904; p = 0.110). A paired t-test showed a statistically significant difference (t = 9.37; p < 0.001), with a very large effect size (Cohen’s d = 2.42). Serial autocorrelation was present (Durbin–Watson = 0.066; Ljung–Box p = 0.032), but the difference remained significant after Newey–West correction (t = 7.91; p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

Hospitalization rates for PD are significantly higher among males compared to females in Brazil. These findings reveal a clear sex disparity in disease burden and underscore the need for tailored healthcare strategies, including sex-sensitive screening, management, and prevention approaches.