Gestacional syphilis: epidemiological profile in Foz do Iguaçu-PR in theyear 2022

Abstract

Syphilis is a Sexually Transmitted Infection caused by the bacteria Treponema pallidum, which invades the mucous membranes and is currently a global public health problem. Syphilis during pregnancy is worrying, as if left untreated, it can be transmitted to the fetus via transplacental transmission or at any stage of pregnancy. Objective: This study aimed to verify the epidemiological profile of cases of Gestational Syphilis in the year 2022 in the municipality of Foz do Iguaçu-PR. Methods: The study aimed to demonstrate the epidemiological profile of pregnant women with Syphilis through the descriptive research method, with a qualitative-quantitative approach, which will provide understanding of the context and the problem. For bibliographic contextualization, scientific articles, dissertations and protocols from the Ministry of Health were used; and for data collection, some Gestational Syphilis Indicators from the Ministry of Health were used, referring to the year 2022 in the municipality of Foz do Iguaçu-PR. Results: 59 cases of Syphilis were detected in pregnant women, 29 (49.2%) detected in the 1st trimester of pregnancy, 11 (18.6%) in the 2nd trimester, 18 (30.5%) in the 3rd trimester and 1 (1. 7%) with unknown gestational age. The average age of infected pregnant women was 14 cases (23.7%) between 15 and 19 years old, 30 (50.8%) between 20 and 29 years old, 14 (23.7%) between 30 and 39 years old and 1 (1.7%) aged 40 or over. Regarding education, 3 cases (5.1%) were detected between incomplete 1st and 4th grade, 3 (5.1%) with complete 4th grade, 14 (23.7%) between incomplete 5th and 8th grade, 4 (6.8%) had completed primary education, 10 (16.9%) had incomplete secondary education, 7 (11.9%) had completed secondary education, 3 (5.1%) had incomplete higher education and 2 (3.1%) with completed higher education. The prevalence of age between 20 and 29 years and a low level of education are associated with cases of Gestational Syphilis, similar to data recorded in Brazil in the same year and between 2005 and 2017. Studies carried out in Palmas-TO and Belo Horizonte- MG, between 2007 and 2014, demonstrate that a large portion of teenage pregnancies occur after dropping out of school, where low educational level is related to less access to information. Conclusions: With this research, it was possible to verify that prenatal care is being provided early, as well as access to diagnostics provided to pregnant women, in accordance with Ministry of Health protocols, such as mandatory prenatal examinations in the first trimester of pregnancy. suggested by some Health Units, especially those linked to the SUS. Given this information, it is still necessary to carry out educational campaigns, sexual education and other measures to prevent Syphilis, as a low level of education is directly associated with a lower level of understanding of measures to prevent Sexually Transmitted Infections, especially Syphilis.