EPIDEMIOLOGICAL PROFILE OF ACQUIRED SYPHILIS IN THE NORTHERN REGION OF BRAZIL FROM 2011 TO 2021

Perfil epidemiológico da sífilis adquirida na região norte do Brasil de 2011 e 2021

Abstract

Sexually transmitted infections are among society's most recurring public health dilemmas. Syphilis is an
infectious disease exclusive to humans, transmitted through unprepared sexual contact. It is estimated that
annually, 11 million new cases of syphilis occur in adults aged 15 to 49 years worldwide. The objective of
the research was to identify the epidemiological profile of syphilis acquired in the states of the Northern
Region of Brazil between the years 2011 and 2021. This is observational research with a quantitative and
retrospective approach, with data collection from the SINAN available on DATASUS. Sociodemographic
variables were analyzed: sex, age, race, education level, and diagnostic criteria. It was found that between
2011 and 2021, in the states of the Northern Region of Brazil, 50,810 cases of acquired syphilis were
reported. The state of Amazonas had the highest notification rate with 18,709 (36.82%) cases, followed by
the state of Pará with 13,102 (25.79%) notifications and Tocantins with 6,728 (13.24%) reported cases. The
year 2018 presented the highest incidence rate of the period, decreasing from 2019. Thus, the profile of
syphilis acquired in the North Region was male individuals aged between 20 and 39 years, mixed race, with
unknown education, and in relation to the diagnostic criteria, laboratory diagnosis presented the highest rate
of notifications. In this way, the need to promote actions with the aim of clarifying sexual health and offering
effective measures to combat syphilis in the most affected population is evident, as well as it is essential to
reevaluate the mandatory fields for filling out the notification and investigation forms of the SINAN, as they
represent an essential source for determining health indicators.