EPIDEMIOLOGICAL PROFILE OF AIDS IN BRAZIL (2020–2024): ANALYSIS OF CASES ACCORDING TO THE HIERARCHICAL EXPOSURE CATEGORY

Abstract

Objective: To characterize the epidemiological profile of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in Brazil according to the hierarchical exposure category from 2020 to 2024. Methods: This ecological, descriptive, documentary, retrospective, and quantitative study was conducted using secondary data from the Notifiable Diseases Information System, made available by the Department of Informatics of the Unified Health System. The variables analyzed included hierarchical exposure category, sex, age group, race/color, educational level, geographic region, and year of diagnosis. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics with absolute and relative frequencies. Results: Sexual transmission was the predominant mode of exposure, with a higher concentration of cases among men, Black and Brown individuals, people with lower educational attainment, and residents of the Southeast and Northeast regions. The distribution of cases remained relatively stable throughout the study period, highlighting persistent sociodemographic and regional inequalities associated with the occurrence of the disease. Conclusions: The epidemiological profile of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in Brazil remains characterized by the predominance of sexual transmission and significant social and regional disparities. These findings reinforce the need to strengthen prevention strategies, timely diagnosis, health education, and access to healthcare services, contributing to the planning of public health policies aimed at the most vulnerable populations.