[Epidemiology of acquired syphilis in youth populations in health regions of the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Area (2014–2023)].

OBJETIVES: To analyze the trends of acquired syphilis among youth in Buenos Aires Province from 2014 to 2023, focusing on health regions within the metropolitan area and identifying territorial and gender disparities in notification rates.

METHODS

An observational and ecological study was conducted using data from the National Health Surveillance System. Age- and sex-specific notification rates were calculated for the 15–24 and 25–34 age groups, disaggregated by health region.

RESULTS

A sustained increase in syphilis notification rates was observed until 2019, followed by a sharp decline in 2020 associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, and a partial recovery in the subsequent years. Territorial, age group, and gender disparities were identified in notification levels, along with potential difficulties in diagnostic access among young people.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings highlight the need to strengthen primary healthcare, enhance local surveillance systems, and implement gender-sensitive and territorially focused interventions to address the structural inequities affecting youth sexual health.