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Prevalence and factors associated with syphilis in a Reference Center
Natália Carolina Rodrigues Colombo Gomes1, Denise Andrade Pereira Meier1, Flávia Meneguetti Pieri1
1Departamento de Enfermagem, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brasil.
Revista Da Sociedade Brasileira De Medicina Tropical
|March 23, 2017
Summary
Syphilis rapid testing (RT) in Brazil found a 6.3% prevalence, with higher rates in men. Key risk factors include young adult age, lower education, and substance use, highlighting the need for targeted prevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Rapid testing (RT) for syphilis improves early diagnosis and treatment access for vulnerable populations.
- Centers for Testing and Counseling (CTC) play a crucial role in managing sexually transmitted infections (STDs).
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence of syphilis among individuals utilizing a Center for Testing and Counseling (CTC).
- To identify sociodemographic and behavioral factors associated with syphilis infection in this population.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study analyzed data from 5,509 individuals who underwent syphilis RT between June 2012 and December 2014 in Southern Brazil.
- Prevalence and odds ratios were calculated using OpenEpi to determine associations between independent variables and syphilis cases.
Main Results:
- The overall prevalence of syphilis was 6.3%, with higher rates in males (7.5%) than females (4.3%).
- Syphilis was significantly associated with ages 25-34, lower education levels, and single marital status.
- Associated behavioral factors included men who have sex with men, drug use (alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, crack), and a history of STDs.
Conclusions:
- Intensified syphilis prevention and control strategies are essential, particularly for identified vulnerable populations.
- Targeted interventions should address the specific risk factors identified in this study population.
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