Social Factors Associated with Congenital Syphilis in Missouri.

Abstract

Congenital syphilis disproportionately affects individuals impacted by adverse social determinants of health. Understanding these determinants may help facilitate holistic care. We performed a retrospective review of mother-infant dyads with potential congenital syphilis in a Missouri hospital system. Cases were classified per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention clinical scenarios. Information was collected regarding demographics, prenatal care, substance use, and other social factors. Dyads with confirmed/highly probable or possible congenital syphilis ("congenital syphilis outcomes") were compared to those with less likely/unlikely congenital syphilis ("non-congenital syphilis outcomes") using descriptive statistics. We identified 131 dyads with infant dates of birth from 12/2015-6/2022: 74 (56%) with congenital syphilis outcomes and 56 (43%) with non-congenital syphilis outcomes. Most mothers were Black/African American (n = 84, 65%) and lived in areas with high Social Vulnerability Indices. Many had inadequate prenatal care (n = 61, 47%) and/or substance use histories (n = 55, 42%). Significant associations with congenital syphilis outcomes included limited prenatal care (OR 3.01, 95% CI 1.38-6.56), no prenatal care (OR 16.08, 95% CI 1.96-132.11), substance use (OR 3.42, 95% CI 1.61-7.25), housing instability (OR 3.42, 95% CI 1.39-8.38), and justice system interactions (OR 2.29, 95% CI 1.00-5.24). Substance use correlated with prenatal care adequacy (p < 0.001). 30% of infants with congenital syphilis outcomes were taken into protective custody. Adverse social determinants of health are common in dyads impacted by congenital syphilis. Health systems should consider interdisciplinary programming to improve testing and linkage to care. Future studies should evaluate social support for congenital syphilis prevention and management.