Geriatrics and Gerontology

Biography

Biography: Mirian Ueda Yamaguchi

Abstract

In Brazil there are more than 20 million people aged 60 or over and estimates indicate that the number will triple in the next 40 years1. In this context, the aim of this study was to analyze the evolutionary trend of STDs among the elderly in Brazil and around the world. The study consisted of a systematic review (PRISMA)2 in LILACS, IBECS, Cochrane, MEDLINE, PubMed and SciELO. In total, 979 articles were identified, 44 of which met the inclusion criteria for this study. Among the works selected, 77% of the research related to HIV / AIDS and only 23% to other STDs. It was found that currently seniors remain sexually active into their later years, a fact related to the advent of drugs for erectile dysfunction. It was also found that a notable characteristic of this age group was the practice of sex without protection, which is reflected in the increase in STDs in this population. Other relevant data found in this review refers to the failure to diagnose STDs in elderly patients due to the fact that health professionals are unaware of, or ignore, the sexual practices of the elderly population, confusing the symptoms with comorbidities associated with old age. Furthermore, it was found that the elderly are generally excluded from public policy promoting health and the prevention of STDs. It is concluded that there is a need for awareness among health professionals of STD and geriatric services about changes in the behavior and epidemiological profile of this population. KEYWORDS: Sexually Transmitted Diseases; HIV/AIDS; Public Policy.