Factors associated with inadequate treatment of syphilis during pregnancy: an integrative review

Abstract

Objectives: to analyze the evidence available in literature on factors associated with inadequate treatment of syphilis in pregnant women. Methods: an integrative review, carried out in the LILACS, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed and EMBASE databases, with controlled descriptors therapeutic and prenatal syphilis. Results: nine publications composed the interpretative analysis, in which low education, income and maternal age, temporary lack of medication and HIV infection were associated with inadequate treatment of syphilis during pregnancy, in addition to delay or absence of prenatal care and receiving the 1st dose of penicillin, lack of tests or treatment less than 30 days before childbirth, and partners’ low compliance with treatment. Final Considerations: among the main factors associated with inadequate treatment, clinical and sociodemographic aspects stand out, as well as failures in drug dispensing, prescription and monitoring of treatment of pregnant women and their partners by the health system.