FACTORS RELATED TO GESTATIONAL AND CONGENITAL SYPHILIS: A SCOPING REVIEW

Abstract

Introduction: Gestational and congenital syphilis is a preventable public health problem, associated with serious outcomes such as miscarriages, stillbirth, and neurological sequelae in newborns, as well as complications for pregnant women, such as cutaneous, cardiovascular, and neurological lesions. Identifying the factors associated with gestational and congenital syphilis infection is essential to understand the specific needs of different Brazilian populations and improve the supply of resources and services. Objective: To analyze the evidence available in the literature on factors associated with gestational and congenital syphilis infection in Brazilian municipalities. Materials and methods: This is a scoping review conducted according to the Joanna Briggs Institute and reported based on the PRISMA-ScR checklist. The Population, Concept, and Context (PCC) strategy was used to develop the research question. Electronic searches were performed in the CINAHL, EMBASE, LILACS, MEDLINE, SciELO, Scopus and Web of Science databases, as well as Google Scholar and Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations. Results: Factors associated with infection included pregnant women under 30 years of age, with low schooling, black or brown, single and inactive professionals. Unprotected sexual intercourse, late start of prenatal care, low adherence, fewer consultations and serological tests, in addition to difficulties in managing syphilis in Psychosocial Care Centers for pregnant women with chemical dependency. Conclusion: The studies indicate that the main causes of gestational and congenital syphilis are due to socioeconomic and regional inequalities and inequalities in access to health services, aggravated by late diagnosis and inadequate treatment.