Epidemiological and Sociodemographic Profile of Gestational Syphilis in Northern Brazil between 2014 and 2024

Abstract

Gestational syphilis remains an important public health problem in Brazil, especially in the Northern Region, where geographic, socioeconomic and healthcare access barriers hinder timely diagnosis and treatment. This study aimed to analyze the epidemiological and sociodemographic profile of gestational syphilis cases reported in Northern Brazil between 2014 and 2024. This is a descriptive ecological epidemiological study with a quantitative approach, based on secondary data obtained from the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN/DATASUS). A total of 45,101 reported cases from the seven states of Northern Brazil were analyzed according to state and municipality of residence, year of notification, race/color, age group and educational level. Data were organized using Microsoft Excel® and submitted to descriptive statistical analysis through absolute and relative frequencies. Pará presented the highest number of notifications (19,110), followed by Amazonas (14,357). A progressive increase in notifications was observed until 2023, with a peak of 8,106 cases, followed by a reduction in 2024 (4,021 cases), possibly related to incomplete updating of the system. Most cases occurred among mixed-race pregnant women (79.4%) aged between 20 and 39 years (69.0%). The findings demonstrate the persistence of gestational syphilis as an important epidemiological challenge in Northern Brazil, reflecting social inequalities, barriers to prenatal care and structural limitations of healthcare services. It is concluded that strengthening primary healthcare, early screening and epidemiological surveillance strategies is essential to reduce vertical transmission and its perinatal consequences.