DETERMINANTS OF THE PREVALENCE OF SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS IN THE ELDERLY POPULATION OF CANOAS-RS

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) / Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and syphilis in elderly people in the municipality of Canoas, Rio Grande do Sul (RS), between 2022 and 2024, based on a quantitative, exploratory, and descriptive study that analyzed their clinical, laboratory, and sociodemographic characteristics. The Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN) provided the data, which showed 153 recorded cases (50 – HIV; 103 - syphilis). Using SPSS software, statistical analysis was conducted to find significant connections and differences (p-value ≤ 0.05) using the chi-square, Fisher's exact, Student's t, and Mann-Whitney tests. The majority of patients had syphilis (p=0.03), were male (58.8%), and had an average age of 67.58 years. Regarding clinical conditions, 38% of HIV patients had a TCD4+ lymphocyte count below 350 cells/mm³, reflecting advanced immunosuppression. Co-infections such as pulmonary tuberculosis (6%) and disseminated tuberculosis (4%) were less frequent. Mathias Velho, Guajuviras, and Harmonia accounted for 43.6% of cases, and 98.7% of notifications occurred in urban areas (p=0.33). Despite the high positivity rate in screening tests (88%), adherence to rapid confirmatory tests was low, with up to 94% of cases not being evaluated. The findings point to the necessity of stepping up awareness campaigns and sex education programs for older adults, as well as improving registration and diagnosis systems to ensure greater accuracy and quality of data. Strategies that encourage early diagnosis and consistent condom use contribute to preventing the progression of STIs and enhancing the quality of life of older adults.