EPIDEMIOLOGY OF SYPHILIS IN PREGNANT WOMEN: AN ANALYSIS OF RIBEIRÃO PRETO-SP FROM 2014 TO 2023

Abstract

This study investigated the evolution of gestational syphilis in Ribeirão Preto-SP between 2014 and 2023, based on data from DATASUS, to assess the effectiveness of strategies to prevent and control vertical transmission. An increase in cases was observed until 2022, followed by a reduction in 2023, suggesting possible advances in interventions, although it is still necessary to monitor the sustainability of this decrease. The highest incidence was identified among pregnant women with complete secondary and elementary education, while women with higher education had a lower number of cases, indicating the influence of educational level on access to health care and the adoption of preventive behaviors. The racial distribution, with a higher number of diagnoses in white women, suggests inequalities in access to services or underreporting in vulnerable groups. The high proportion of diagnoses in the latent phase reinforces the importance of prenatal care for disease control, but the presence of cases in advanced stages reveals the need to improve access to early treatment. It is concluded that, despite advances, the elimination of congenital syphilis requires continuous and coordinated actions, with a focus on education, timely diagnosis and inclusive public policies that consider local specificities.