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Syphilis Among U.S.-Bound Refugees, 2009-2013
E N Nyangoma1,2, C K Olson3, J A Painter3
1Epidemic Intelligence Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA. ENyangoma@cdc.gov.
Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health
|March 20, 2016
Summary
Syphilis screening for U.S.-bound refugees identified 874 cases, with highest prevalence in Africa. Male sex, older age, and non-camp settings were linked to higher infection rates.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology
- Immigration Health
Background:
- U.S. immigration policy mandates syphilis screening for refugees aged 15 and older.
- Syphilis screening is crucial for preventing disease introduction and transmission.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of syphilis among U.S.-bound refugees.
- To identify demographic and geographic factors associated with syphilis seropositivity.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of syphilis screening results from January 2009 to December 2013.
- Analysis of 233,446 refugee screening records.
- Multivariable log binomial regression to assess associated factors.
Main Results:
- 874 syphilis cases identified (373 per 100,000 refugees).
- Highest age-adjusted prevalence in refugees from Africa (1340 per 100,000) and East Asia/Pacific (397 per 100,000).
- Male sex, increasing age, and non-refugee camp residence were associated with higher seropositivity.
Conclusions:
- Syphilis screening identifies a significant number of cases among refugees.
- Prevalence varies geographically, with notable rates in African and East Asian/Pacific populations.
- Further research on overseas treatment and transmission risk is recommended.
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