Profile of pregnant women diagnosed with syphilis

Abstract

Introduction: Syphilis is a disease that has troubled mankind since the 15th century, and it continues to be a public health problem, especially in developing countries like Brazil. Objective: To outline the sociodemographic and gynecological-obstetric profiles of pregnant women diagnosed with syphilis at maternity hospitals in a municipality in the State of Ceará. Method: This is a descriptive study with a quantitative approach. The study was carried out in 2013, and the population consisted of 50 pregnant women with a syphilis diagnosis admitted to maternity hospitals. Data collection was obtained from prenatal care cards or booklets that were based on the instrument mentioned in Siqueira (2004). Data were analyzed through descriptive statistics, and were discussed using relevant literature as a basis. Results: 46.3% of pregnant women had a common-law marriage, 36% revealed having an incomplete elementary education, 30% were day workers and 86% had a monthly income of a minimum wage or less. With regard to obstetrical data, 36% had had two previous pregnancies, 18% had had an abortion, and 44% had had a diagnosis of a sexually transmitted infection some time in their lifetime. Concerning prenatal care, 88% had six or more appointments with a doctor, and only 32% completed the appropriate treatment. Conclusion: The young adult population has the most prevalence of syphilis, because they have little purchasing power and low levels of education. Gineco-obstetrical data revealed previous pregnancies and a history of intercurrence.

Keywords

• syphilis
• pregnant women
• sexually transmitted diseases
• vertical transmission of infectious diseases