A syphilis control intervention targeting black and Hispanic men who have sex with men

There are no documented syphilis control efforts targeting Black and Hispanic men who have sex with men (MSM) despite recent syphilis outbreaks among MSM and the disparate burden of syphilis among minorities.

A syphilis control intervention, named the DL STATS PARTY, was designed to promote syphilis testing among minority MSM, through a sexual health and general well-being framework.

Of the 461 MSM with complete intake data, the average age was 27.0, 44.7% were Black, 42.7% were Hispanic, 67.9% had sex with two or more partners in the previous six months, and 28.4% reported sex with a female in the previous six months. Although Blacks accessed fewer overall services and physically invasive services, race/ethnicity was not a factor in choosing to be tested for syphilis.

The DL STATS PARTY promoted syphilis testing among at-risk Black and Hispanic MSM. The program conforms to the CDC Recommended Steps to Mobilizing the Community to Address Syphilis and has the potential to be an example for other U.S. metropolitan areas.