Authors of the Brief Communication analyze, in unprecedented results on trends, hospital discharges of children under five years of age in Ecuador (2000–2023).
Ambulatory Care Sensitive Conditions (ACSCs) accounted for 26.6% of hospitalizations during the period, with an increase for respiratory diseases, urinary tract infections, and skin infections, while gastrointestinal conditions showed a decrease.
The results reinforce the need to strengthen Primary Care and public health planning to reduce inequalities and avoid unnecessary hospitalizations.