EPIDEMIOLOGICAL OVERVIEW OF AIDS IN BRAZIL IN THE LAST DECADE: NOTIFICATIONS,DEATHS, AND HOSPITALIZATIONS

Abstract

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), still represents a significant public health burden, particularly among vulnerable populations and in certain regions of Brazil. This study aimed to characterize the epidemiological profile of HIV/AIDS cases and mortality in Brazil between 2013 and 2023. This is a descriptive, retrospective epidemiological study with a quantitative approach, considering the profile of diagnosed cases, deaths, and hospital indicators related to AIDS. The sociodemographic variables analyzed to characterize the diagnosed cases included age group, sex, race/skin color, educational level, hierarchical exposure category, geographic macro-region, and year of diagnosis, covering the period from 2013 to 2022. During this period, 401,808 AIDS cases were diagnosed, with a predominance among young men, particularly those aged 20 to 34 years, individuals of mixed race/skin color, heterosexuals, and those with completed secondary education. Significant regional disparities were observed, with the Southeast region recording the highest number of cases. Despite the overall downward trend in diagnoses and deaths throughout the period, possibly associated with expanded access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and combined prevention strategies, relevant challenges persist, including underreporting of information, particularly regarding race/skin color and exposure category, the vulnerability of key populations, and the increasing occurrence of cases among older adults. Thus, the findings indicate a predominance of males, individuals aged 20 to 49 years, mixed race/skin color, and completed secondary education, with sexual transmission being the main route of transmission, particularly among heterosexuals. Regarding mortality, the highest number of deaths occurred in 2013, followed by a reduction in the mortality rate from AIDS throughout the study period.