HPV VACCINATION COVERAGE AND CERVICAL CANCER MORTALITY: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS BETWEEN THE NORTHERN AND SOUTHERN REGIONS OF BRAZIL FROM 2014 TO 2023

Abstract

Cervical cancer constitutes a relevant public health problem and is directly associated with persistent infection by Human Papillomavirus (HPV). This study aimed to describe and compare HPV vaccination coverage and cervical cancer mortality indicators in the Northern and Southern regions of Brazil from 2014 to 2023. This is an ecological, retrospective, and comparative study with a quantitative approach, based on secondary data obtained from public databases of the Brazilian Ministry of Health, DATASUS, and the Brazilian National Cancer Institute (INCA). Vaccination coverage and mortality indicators were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results showed regional differences in the indicators analyzed, with the Northern region presenting higher mortality rates than those observed in the Southern region throughout the study period. Vaccination coverage varied over the historical series in both regions, with higher values in the first years following the implementation of vaccination, followed by a decline in subsequent years and a recovery in more recent years. It was observed that vaccination coverage patterns occurred concurrently with different patterns in epidemiological indicators; however, it was not possible to establish a causal relationship between these variables. The observed differences may be related to factors such as access to health services, screening coverage, and socioeconomic conditions. It is concluded that the comparative analysis highlights regional inequalities in the indicators studied and reinforces the importance of maintaining vaccination, screening, and cervical cancer prevention strategies.