Reemergence of Acquired Syphilis in Brazil between 2019-2023: Epidemiological Analysis and the Role of Sex Education in Community Prevention

Abstract

Brazil has recorded a worrying increase in cases of acquired syphilis, especially among young people and pregnant women between 2019 and 2023. The epidemiological analysis highlights the need to strengthen preventive actions and access to diagnosis and treatment. Sexual education is key to raising awareness about transmission and control, making it essential to reinforce campaigns and access to diagnosis and treatment. This article aims to analyze the role of sex education in the community prevention of acquired syphilis, as well as its epidemiology in Brazil. The study was carried out by searching the Medline/PubMed, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (Lilacs) and Scientific Electronic Library Online (Scielo) databases. The research question and strategy used were based on the PICO model. Clinical trial studies, meta-analysis, randomized controlled trials, full articles, books and documents published in English, Spanish and Portuguese in the last 5 years were included. A total of 610 articles were initially found. After analysis and elimination of duplicates, 239 references were analyzed by title and abstract, of which 146 were included for full reading. After this stage, 135 references were excluded. In the end, 11 studies were considered eligible. The available evidence demonstrates that sex education in the prevention and control of syphilis is crucial, especially in communities where the disease is prevalent.