THE WORK OF NURSING AGAINST SYPHILIS IN RIO DE JANEIRO IN THE 1920S

Abstract

The objectives of this study are to describe the problem of syphilis in Brazil in the 1920s, identifying both the state and private initiative to combat syphilis with the creation of the Hospital Gaffrée e Guinle and discuss the integration of nursing in combating syphilis. Methodologically this is a qualitative study of social history type. Data collection was performed through the operation of primary and secondary sources. The results indicate the great difficulty in detecting syphilis in season, hence the great inconvenience of the disease, involvement of nurses visited in combating syphilis in the confidence of the National Department of Public Health, working with the community and in the hospitals of Rio de Janeiro, highlighting the Hospital and Gaffrée Guinle. The results generated from this study were positive for the profession and thereby contribute positively to the scientific community and especially to build the history of nursing. Descriptors: Nursing – Syphilis – History.