TENDÊNCIA TEMPORAL E DISTRIBUIÇÃO ESPACIAL DA SÍFILIS CONGÊNITA NO ESTADO DO RIO DE JANEIRO DE 2012 A 2022: UM ESTUDO ECOLÓGICO-DESCRITIVO

Abstract

Introduction: Congenital syphilis (CS) results from the vertical transmission of Treponema pallidum. The study aimed to analyze the incidence and socio-environmental factors associated with CS in Rio de Janeiro between 2012 and 2022, as the state positioned itself first and above the national average of infected pregnant women in 2022. Methods: An ecological, descriptive study with a quantitative approach was conducted using data from SINAN, available on the DATASUS platform. The data were presented in the form of incidence rates, absolute numbers, and percentages. Results: The total number of CS cases in Rio de Janeiro during the analyzed period was 42,064. Most diagnoses were made within 6 days of the child's birth (87.98%). The age group of mothers with the highest number of CS cases was between 20 and 24 years old (35.5%). Maternal education with the
highest number of CS cases is incomplete elementary education (20.2%). The majority of individuals with CS self-identified as mixed race (47%). 79.3% of mothers received prenatal care. 10% of sexual partners underwent treatment for syphilis after their partner’s diagnosis. 92% of children with CS are alive after diagnosis. The microregion corresponding to the capital of Rio de Janeiro had the highest number of CS notifications (36,325). Discussion: The increase in CS notifications suggests greater disease screening during pregnancy, combined with improvements in prenatal care programs. However, a higher incidence of CS was identified in marginalized populations with low educational attainment, needing improvements in prenatal care programs, as CS is a disease with easy diagnosis and accessible treatment. Conclusion: The study demonstrates the growth in CS incidence in the population of Rio de Janeiro, highlighting the need for the implementation of public policies for the most vulnerable populations.