Completeness and characterization of gestational syphilis and congenital syphilis records in Bahia, Brazil, 2007-2017*

Abstract

Objective: To describe the completeness and characteristics of reported gestational syphilis and congenital syphilis cases in the state of Bahia, Brazil, between 2007 and 2017. Methods: This was an ecological study using data retrieved from the Notifiable Health Conditions Information System (SINAN). Incidence rates at the macro-regional and state levels and percentage completeness were calculated. Results: 15,050 gestational syphilis cases and 7,812 congenital syphilis cases were identified. The incidence rate varied from 1.3 to 15.1 cases in pregnant women/1,000 live births and from 0.5 to 6.7 cases in infants under 1 year old/1,000 live births. Completeness of ‘clinical classification’ of gestational syphilis varied from 58.2% to 67.2% in the periods studied. Conclusion: The study showed an increase in incidence rates, flaws in report form completion and the need to implement routine information quality evaluation.