INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH AND INTERSECTIONALITY ON MECHANISMS OF VIRAL HEPATITIS INFECTION IN PARANÁ (2007–2023)

Abstract

Introduction: Introduction: This study addressed the epidemiological profile of viral hepatitis in the state of Paraná from the perspective of social determinants of health, focusing on the education level of affected individuals. Viral hepatitis represents a serious public health problem and is classified as a socially determined disease. The overall objective of this research was to analyze the association between patients' education level and the main infection mechanisms recorded in the state of Paraná between 2007 and 2023. The methodology consisted of a quantitative, retrospective, descriptive, and epidemiological study. Data collection was conducted by accessing the DATASUS platform using the public domain secondary database of the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN Net), extracting cross-tabulations between the variables "Source/Mechanism of infection" and "Education level". The statistical analysis sought to understand how social vulnerability, measured by educational attainment, influences transmission via sexual, blood transfusion, vertical, foodborne, and drug use routes, thereby contributing to guiding more targeted public prevention policies in the state.