Análise epidemiológica dos casos de sífilis gestacional em adolescentes e sífilis congênita em seus filhos no município do Rio de Janeiro – 2011-2020

Abstract

Sexually transmitted infections continue to be a significant source of morbidity worldwide. Syphilis stands out as one of the most common, even though it has effective and low-cost treatments. In Brazil, cases of acquired, gestational and congenital syphilis have been increasing progressively in recent years, which demonstrates flaws in the epidemiological surveillance systems and prenatal care services. The city of Rio de Janeiro, despite having a good health service structure, occupies a negative position in national statistics on congenital syphilis. Urban complexity, marked by territorial inequalities, makes it even more difficult to guarantee adequate prenatal care, especially for adolescents. This study aimed to conduct an epidemiological analysis of cases of gestational syphilis in adolescents and congenital syphilis in their children in the city of Rio de Janeiro between 2011 and 2020. This is a descriptive quantitative study based on secondary data from the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN). The analysis includes the sociodemographic characteristics of pregnant adolescents reported with gestational and congenital syphilis, the spatial distribution of cases, and aspects of the quality of prenatal care. The results show a profile of greater vulnerability among pregnant adolescents, especially non-white women, with low levels of education, living in areas with limited primary care coverage, high population density, and low human development indices. The research points to important flaws in the diagnosis, treatment, and reporting processes, which contribute to the persistence of congenital syphilis. The study reinforces the urgency of public policies that articulate health, education and social justice to break the cycle of vertical transmission and guarantee dignified care for young people.