PREVALENCE OF ACQUIRED SYPHILIS IN THE ELDERLY IN A CITY IN WEST PARANÁ

Abstract

This Information about sexually transmitted diseases varies among elderly individuals, due to social prejudice and lack of information about symptoms and available treatments. With the increase in the population's life expectancy, the number of elderly people with acquired syphilis has been increasing in the Brazilian scenario, since sex education is mainly aimed at young people. Therefore, this article aims to observe the evolution of the number of syphilis cases over the years at a regional level. This research sought to collect and analyze quantitative data on the incidence of acquired syphilis cases in elderly people in the city of Cascavel/PR, from January 2011 to December 2021. It is an exploratory, descriptive and retrospective study using data collected from DATASUS. During this period, 394 cases of syphilis were recorded in people over 60 years of age; we also analyzed the prevalence among race, education level and sex of the patients. Thus, it is understood that to control the disease, early diagnosis and adherence to treatment are essential to manage the disease. Furthermore, it is necessary to act on preventive actions and improve public health care.