NURSING STRATEGIES FOR THE PREVENTION OF SYPHILIS IN OLDER ADULTS

Abstract

Syphilis remains a significant public health challenge, with a substantial increase in cases among the elderly. Although sexuality is present throughout life, taboos, stereotypes, and prejudices still hinder this group's access to information and preventive practices, increasing their vulnerability to sexually transmitted infections. Given this scenario, this study aims to analyze nursing strategies for syphilis prevention in the elderly, considering the influence of social taboos on adherence to preventive measures and identifying educational interventions focused on promoting sexual health. This is a systematic review conducted using the SciELO, Google Scholar, and Virtual Health Library databases, including studies published between 2020 and 2025, selected after analysis of titles, abstracts, and full texts. The results demonstrate that stigmas related to sexuality in old age constitute significant barriers to syphilis prevention, leading many elderly people to avoid health services for fear of judgment or a mistaken perception of the absence of risk. Nursing actions, such as individualized guidance, discussion groups, expanded testing, and distribution of preventive supplies, have proven effective in reducing misinformation, strengthening autonomy, and encouraging self-care, reinforcing the importance of health education.