Prevalência da infecção causada pelo Treponema pallidum em mulheres assistidas nas unidades de estratégias saúde da família do município de Dourados/MS

Abstract

Introduction: Syphilis is a public health problem, even after the implementation of intervention protocols in several countries. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and the sociodemographic and behavioral factors associated with the infection caused by Treponema pallidum in women attended in the primary care services of Dourados, South Region in the Midwest, Brazil. Methods: An interview was conducted based on a structured questionnaire and blood collection in women attended in the primary care services of Dourados, South Region in the Midwest, Brazil, between December 2015 and August 2016. Regression analysis was performed univariable and multivariable to assess factors associated with infection caused by T. pallidum. Results: 497 women seen at primary health care services were interviewed and the prevalence of infection caused by T. pallidum in women was 6.04%. The analysis of the variables indicated that having a history of sexually transmitted infection (STI), sore in the genital region, multiple sexual partners and being under the age of 40 were risk factors associated with infection caused by T. pallidum. Despite the high prevalence of infection caused by T. pallidum, 80% reported irregular use of condoms and 63.89% have multiple sexual partners, favoring the transmission of the agent. Conclusion: Behavioral and health care factors are associated with the occurrence of syphilis in women and should be taken into account in the development of strategies aimed at the prevention and control of syphilis, especially in situations of greater vulnerability.