Spatial Analysis of Sexually Transmitted Diseases and their Social Determinants: A Scoping Review of its Application in the American Continent

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14482/sun.42.01.001.452

Keywords:

Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Spatial Analysis, Literature Review, Social Determinants, HIV

Abstract

Objective: To explore the research literature on the use of spatial analysis on Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and their social determinants in the Americas.

Materials and methods: A literature review was conducted using the Arksey and O'Malley Scoping Review model. The search for studies was conducted between August 2022 and March 2023 in recognized databases such as PubMed, Academic Search Ultimate, Science Direct, Scielo, and Redalyc. Empirical studies conducted in the Americas and published in English, Spanish, and Portuguese were included. Finally, 61 articles were selected for systematization and grouping into thematic areas based on the reported findings.

Results: Most of the studies reviewed were from Brazil and focused on HIV. Consistent geographic patterns were identified, such as the high concentration of cases in capital cities, metropolitan areas, and southern regions. In addition, social determinants closely linked to the distribution of STIs were highlighted.

Conclusions: Spatial analysis contributes significantly to the planning of targeted interventions, particularly in areas with a higher incidence, prevalence, and/or mortality from STIs. Its use is recommended in other countries in the region for the development of territorially based and socially contextualized public health policies.

Author Biographies

  • Oscar Alejandro Palacios Rodríguez, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, México

    Doctor en Ciencias de la Salud Pública. Profesor, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí (México). o.palacios.rdz@gmail.com. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8842-8233

  • Antonio Reyna Sevilla, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (México)

    Doctor en Ciencias de la Salud Pública. Subjefe de División, Dirección de Prestaciones Médicas, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (México). gs.antonioreyna@gmail.com. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7842-0388

  • Daniel Alberto Ramírez Avalos, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí (México)

    Licenciado en Psicología. Egresado, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí (México). daniel_halo92@hotmail.com. https://orcid.org/0009-0001-5929-2576

  • Arturo Oviedo Castillo, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí (México)

    Licenciado en Psicología. Egresado, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí (México). oviedocastilloe@hotmail.com. https://orcid.org/0009-0002-8846-1559

     

  • Jesús Alejandro Macías Camacho, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí (México)

    Licenciado en Psicología. Egresado, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí (México). macj090810@gmail.com. https://orcid.org/0009-0004-5013-2498

  • Eduardo Tadeo Lezama López, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí (México)

    Licenciado en Psicología. Egresado, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí (México). eduardowerolezama@gmail.com. https://orcid.org/0009-0003-6955-815X

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Published

2026-01-28

Issue

Section

NARRATIVE REVIEW

How to Cite

Spatial Analysis of Sexually Transmitted Diseases and their Social Determinants: A Scoping Review of its Application in the American Continent. (2026). SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL SALUD UNINORTE, 42(1), 172-196. https://doi.org/10.14482/sun.42.01.001.452

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