Epidemiological Analysis of AIDS in the Northeast during the period 2019 to 2023

Abstract

Introduction: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), is a disease that develops after a long incubation period of the virus. HIV compromises the immune system, especially affecting CD4 + lymphocytes, as well as monocytes and macrophages, making the individual more susceptible to various opportunistic infections. Objective: to describe the epidemiological profile of diagnosed cases of HIV/AIDS in the Northeast region during the period from 2019 to 2023. Methodology: observational, descriptive and retrospective study, through the collection of epidemiological data of diagnosed cases of HIV/AIDS, in the Northeast, from 2019 to 2023. Epidemiological and morbidity information were obtained from the Department of Information Technology of the Unified Health System (DATASUS), in the subsection of the Information System on Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN). The absolute and relative frequencies of the variables applied and selected in the SINAN tab for the preparation of the study were calculated: “year of diagnosis”, “sex”, “age group”, “Race/Color”, “Federal Unit of notification” and “Exposure category”. Results: Between 2019 and 2023, 19,291 cases of AIDS were diagnosed in the Northeast, with the highest incidence year being 2019 and the lowest incidence in 2023. The highest number of cases was observed in males, brown individuals, adults between 40 and 49 years old, and residents of the State of Bahia, with heterosexuals being responsible for the majority of infections. Conclusion: Mapping the epidemiological characteristics of AIDS is extremely important for the creation and adoption of new strategies aimed at reducing cases of the disease in Brazil.