Epidemiological profile of non-pregnant women in Pelotas, Brazil: a cross-sectional study on syphilis
Syphilis in non-pregnant women
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5327/DST-2177-8264-1456Keywords:
syphilis, epidemiology, women, sexually transmitted diseases, public healthAbstract
Introduction: Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection of high public health relevance, with increasing incidence in Brazil. Although screening protocols exist for pregnant women, there are gaps in knowledge regarding non-pregnant women. Objective: To describe the sociodemographic and behavioral profile of non-pregnant women receiving care in health services in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, and the factors associated with positivity in treponemal tests for syphilis. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between August 2023 and December 2024 with non-pregnant women aged 15–70 years attending outpatient clinics and Primary Health Care Units affiliated with the Federal University of Pelotas. Sampling was non-probabilistic. Sociodemographic, behavioral, and syphilis-related knowledge data were collected using a standardized questionnaire and rapid treponemal tests. Descriptive analyses and chi-square tests were performed (p<0.05). Results: A total of 2,021 women were included (mean age: 32.6 years; standard deviation: 8.3 years). The prevalence of reactive treponemal tests was 3.2% (64/2,021). An educational gradient was observed, with higher prevalence among women with lower schooling levels (4.7% in incomplete primary education vs. 0.85% in higher education; p<0.05). Single women and those in relationships with multiple partners showed higher prevalence. No significant differences were observed across age groups. Conclusion: The high prevalence of syphilis among non-pregnant women, particularly those with lower educational attainment, reinforces the need for screening and prevention strategies beyond the prenatal context.
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