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Sero-prevalence of syphilis among patients with mental illness: comparison with blood donors
B A Issa1, A Fadeyi, I A Durotoye
1Department of Behavioural Sciences, University of Ilorin, PMB 1515, Ilorin, Nigeria.
Background:
Mentally ill individuals (MII) are at risk of acquiring syphilis and other sexually transmitted infections. This study aimed at determining sero-prevalence of syphilis among MII and compare them with voluntary blood donors (VBD) at University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), Nigeria.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study done between June, 2010 and June 2011, and involving 350 each of VBDs and MII in and out-patients of UITH. Serological test was done using venereal disease research laboratory (VDRL) and the Treponema Pallidum Haemagglutination (TPHA) kit.
Results:
Of the 700 subjects, 324 (92.6%) MII, and 349 (99.7%) VBDs were <55 years; 71 (21.4%) MII were Civil Servants compared with 96 (27.4%) VBDs. Significantly more VBDs had higher education than MII (185 or 52.9%, and 140 or 40% respectively). Christians constituted the majority (176 or 50.3%) among MII, and Muslims (210 or 60%) among VBDs. Significantly more married VBDs (204/206 or 99.0%) live with spouses; more VBDs consumed alcohol (37 or 10.6%), smoked (19 or 5.4%), and engaged in extramarital sex (105 or 30.0%). Significantly more MII had blood transfusion (40 or 11.4); engaged in sex trade (12 or 3.4%); and more syphilis prevalence (5.4%). In addition, more syphilitic MII smoked (18 or 94.7%); and all syphilitic MII had psychotic disorders.
Conclusion:
The prevalence of syphilis in MII is significantly higher than among VBDs. Routine screening of MII is advocated to stem this problem.
Insights
Mentally ill individuals (MII) have a higher syphilis prevalence than voluntary blood donors (VBD). Routine screening of MII is recommended to address this significant public health concern.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Mentally ill individuals (MII) face elevated risks for sexually transmitted infections, including syphilis.
- Understanding syphilis sero-prevalence in this vulnerable population is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the sero-prevalence of syphilis among mentally ill individuals (MII).
- To compare syphilis rates between MII and voluntary blood donors (VBD).
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2010 to June 2011.
- 350 MII and 350 VBD at University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH) were tested using VDRL and TPHA kits.
Main Results:
- Syphilis prevalence was significantly higher in MII (5.4%) compared to VBD.
- Syphilitic MII were more likely to smoke and all had psychotic disorders.
- VBDs reported higher education, marriage rates, alcohol consumption, and extramarital sexual activity.
Conclusions:
- Syphilis is significantly more prevalent in mentally ill individuals than in the general blood donor population.
- Routine syphilis screening for MII is strongly advocated to mitigate transmission and health consequences.
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