INCIDENCE OF SYPHILIS IN THE MALE PRISON POPULATION FROM 2000 TO 2024: AN INTEGRATIVE LITERATURE REVIEW.

Abstract

This study analyzed the incidence of syphilis among the male prison population in Brazil from 2000 to 2024. It emphasizes that syphilis, caused by Treponema pallidum, is a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) with high prevalence in this vulnerable group, primarily due to poor hygiene conditions and limited access to healthcare services. An integrative literature review was conducted, including eight articles that met the inclusion criteria of studies published between 2000 and 2024 specifically addressing syphilis in the male prison population. Articles focusing on other STIs without direct relevance and studies with inadequate methodologies were excluded. The search was performed in the databases PubMed, BVS, MedLine, and Scielo, using descriptors such as “syphilis,” “prison population,” and “Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).” The findings indicate a high incidence of syphilis, exacerbated by risk practices such as unprotected sex and the sharing of syringes, along with the absence of adequate health policies. The study highlights the urgent need for effective interventions, including systematic screening and health education, to control the spread of the disease and improve the quality of life for inmates. These measures are essential not only for the health of prisoners but also for preventing the transmission of syphilis to the broader population.