THE CONTEXT OF HEPATITIS A INFECTION AMONG MEN WHO HAVE SEX WITH MEN

Abstract

Hepatitis A infection occurs worldwide, socioeconomic, sanitary and hygiene conditions have a great impact on the epidemiological scenario of this virus, The change in endemicity from high to intermediate/low of hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection in Brazil has caused a displacement of this infection from childhood to adult life. Although this virus is primarily transmitted via the fecal-oral route, hepatitis A is considered a sexually transmitted infection in men who have sex with men (MSM). Hepatitis A was included in the List of Notifiable Diseases and, since then, the collection of data on the occurrence of this virus has become part of epidemiological surveillance actions. Thus, the present work aims to: evaluate the prevalence of hepatitis A and vulnerability among men who have sex with men (MSM) in the city of Belém, Pará, Brazil. This article aimed to carry out a bibliographical survey on the occurrence and susceptibility of hepatitis A in MSM. A narrative review of the critical analysis literature was used, of a descriptive-speech character, as well as empirical knowledge acquired by the authors throughout the teaching-learning process and research and extension in the area, for the structuring of a logical-conceptual model regarding the context of hepatitis A infection among men who have sex with men. The review helps to elucidate future actions within the context of health, preventive and intervention policies in this group of vulnerable representatives, promoting risk reduction practices in this community, not only at the local level, but also throughout Brazil.