Knowledge Of Syphilis Research Articles

How Much Do Young Australians Know About Syphilis Compared With Chlamydia and Gonorrhea? Findings From an Online Survey.

There is increased heterosexual transmission of syphilis in Australia, an infection with severe outcomes. Australian policy emphasizes increasing sexually transmissible infection knowledge/awareness. However, little is known about young Australians' perceptions and knowledge of syphilis. Our online sexual health survey was open May 2 to June 21, 2022, to 16- to 29-year-olds in Australia. We asked participants if they were aware of syphilis, their personal risk perception, and perceived severity of infection and compared with results for chlamydia/gonorrhea. Multivariable and multinomial logistic regressions were used to assess characteristics associated with outcomes. We measured sexually transmissible infection knowledge using 10 true/false statements (5 syphilis, 5 chlamydia/gonorrhea). Among 2018 participants (69.1% women, 48.9% heterosexual), 91.3% had heard of syphilis (vs. 97.2% for chlamydia and 93.3% for gonorrhea). Older (25-29 years; adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4-4.4) and gay/lesbian (aOR, 2.8; 95% CI, 1.4-5.3) respondents were more likely to have heard of syphilis, as were those who were non-Aboriginal, sexually active, and with a school-based sex education. Syphilis knowledge was lower than chlamydia/gonorrhea knowledge ( P < 0.001). More than half (59.7%) perceived syphilis to have serious health impacts (vs. 36.4% for chlamydia and 42.3% for gonorrhea). Older respondents were more likely (25-29 years; aOR 2.1; 95% CI, 1.6-2.8), and gay/lesbian respondents less likely (aOR, 0.7; 95% CI, 0.6-1.0) to perceive syphilis to have serious health impacts. One-fifth of sexually active participants were unsure of their risk of syphilis. Most young Australians are aware of syphilis, but few have comprehensive knowledge about the infection relative to chlamydia/gonorrhea. Considering increasing heterosexual transmission, syphilis health promotion campaigns should expand their focus.

Barriers to optimal management of syphilis in pregnancy and congenital syphilis in south-east Queensland: a qualitative investigation.

Australia, like many high-income countries, is experiencing a resurgence of infectious syphilis in pregnancy and congenital syphilis. Evaluations of public health notifications and clinical records suggest that healthcare systems may not be providing optimal care to women and their neonates. This study aims to explore the barriers to optimal management of syphilis in pregnancy and congenital syphilis to identify key areas for improvement. Between 2021 and 2022, 34 healthcare workers (HCW) practicing in south-east Queensland (SEQ) Australia were recruited to complete semi-structured interviews regarding their perceptions towards management of syphilis in pregnancy and congenital syphilis. Interviews were analysed thematically. Thematic analysis identified four themes related to the management of syphilis in pregnancy. These included poor communication between disciplines, services, and teams from delivery through to management and post-delivery, lack of formal internal and external referral pathways, unclear and often complex maternal and congenital syphilis management procedures, and limited HCW knowledge of infectious syphilis in pregnancy and congenital syphilis. As congenital syphilis numbers continue to rise in SEQ, it is imperative that healthcare systems and HCWs identify and address gaps in the provision of health care.

HIV and syphilis knowledge, perceptions, and practices among Myanmar migrant workers in Samut Sakhon Province, Thailand

BackgroundThailand has been one of the largest migration hubs in Southeast Asia for the past four decades and keeps attracting migrants from neighboring countries. Due to difficulties associated with their status, migration can place individuals at a heightened risk for sexually transmitted diseases. This study aimed to examine factors influencing HIV and syphilis preventive behaviors among Myanmar migrants in Samut Sakhon, Thailand.MethodsA cross-sectional mixed-method study was conducted among Myanmar migrants aged 18 years and above in Samut Sakhon Province, Thailand. To fulfill this study's aims, four hundred seventy-three respondents completed a survey to provide quantitative data, and eight participants completed in-depth qualitative interviews. The factors associated with protective sexual behaviors were identified with multiple logistic regression analysis of the quantitative study data and thematic analysis of the qualitative data.ResultsThe respondents showed good knowledge of HIV and syphilis (50.1%), but over half (55.6%) exhibited the negative perception of sexually transmitted disease prevention; about 81.4% of male respondents never used a condom when they had sexual intercourse in the past year. Based on multivariate analysis, income expenses-balance (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.379, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.002–5.731, p = 0.049), number of sex partners (AOR = 3.044, 95% CI: 1.339–6.924, p = 0.008), and having sex with a prostitute (AOR = 6.085, 95% CI: 1.28–28.918, p = 0.023) were all statistically associated with unprotected sex. In the qualitative analysis, knowledge, understanding, beliefs; the influence of culture, community, and environment; and condom perceptions were also important factors.ConclusionLow use of condoms in sexual practice was identified, and the appropriate intervention or approach to improve the utilization of condoms in the community was provided.

Examining the impacts of a syphilis awareness campaign among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM) in British Columbia, Canada.

Syphilis rates have increased in BC and disproportionately affect gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM). A social marketing campaign (Syphistory) ran from January to September 2017 with the primary goal of increasing syphilis knowledge and a secondary goal of increasing syphilis screening among gbMSM in BC. We used pre- and post-campaign surveys to assess changes in syphilis knowledge from a convenience sample of clients attending STI clinics using one-sided t-tests. We used online Piwik metrics to examine the campaign reach, and provincial testing data to examine trends in syphilis screening. We used data from the Engage Study to examine factors associated with campaign awareness and associations with syphilis testing. Of the 2155 visitors to the Syphistory website with known geography, 79.4% were from BC. Moreover, STI clinic participants who saw the campaign demonstrated a greater knowledge of syphilis (9.7/12, 80.8%) than those who did not see the campaign (mean 8.9/12, 74%) (p < 0.001). Provincial syphilis testing rates were 8764 and 9749 in the 12 months before and after the campaign; however, we did not find an overall trend in testing before versus after the campaign (p = 0.147). Among Engage participants, 12.7% reported seeing the campaign and we found an association between campaign exposure and recent syphilis testing (aOR = 2.73; 95% CI = 1.51, 4.93). gbMSM who saw the campaign were more likely to report being tested for syphilis in the previous 6 months. STI clinic attendees who reported seeing the campaign also had higher syphilis knowledge compared to those who did not.

Associations between Awareness of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and Prevalence of STIs among Sub-Saharan African Men and Women.

Treatments for HIV and other STIs are not readily available in sub-Saharan Africa and other resource-limited areas, where the prevalence of HIV and other STIs is high. In the absence of treatment and laboratory infrastructure to monitor treatment efficacy, increasing awareness of STIs and STI screening are crucial components of STI prevention programs. In the current study, we sought to estimate the awareness of STIs in resource-limited countries and evaluate the strength of the association between the awareness of STIs and STIs infection. We did a secondary analysis of data obtained from 2019 women and 794 men enrolled in a community-based study that was conducted from November 2002 to March 2003 in the Moshi Urban District of Northern Tanzania. We found gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV/AIDS were well-known among the study participants. However, their awareness of other STIs, including herpes, was very low. We also found that the awareness of STIs was not associated with STIs in men, but women who had prior knowledge of gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV had a twofold higher risk of testing positive for an STI. Education programs aimed at increasing awareness of STIs are needed in the region. The majority of the existing STI education programs in the region focus exclusively on HIV/AIDS. The expansion of the existing AIDS/HIV education programs needs to be strengthened to include information about other STIs.

University Extension and Education in/for Health: knowledge, prevention and control of syphilis

The university extension activities are a form of interaction between the university and the community, and based on it, different health promotion activities can be developed, as the sustainable development of vulnerable communities for example. Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection that can present asymptomatic or symptomatic forms and has affected countless people around the world. In Brazil, the number of infected people has increased over the years, even with the SUS providing treatment, which is quite worrying due to congenital syphilis. With the growth of infected people in the country, especially in the state of Pernambuco, it is essential to fight syphilis through preventive actions. Teaching and learning strategies such as health education demonstrate the transforming role of university extension for undergraduates and society, aiming to contribute to the academic training of undergraduates through the exchange of knowledge. The activities to raise awareness about syphilis were held in a conversation circle during the Science and Technology Week, CECINE-UFPE/2019, and in the Parasitology course at UFPE. At the end of each exhibition, information leaflets and condoms were also distributed. At first, the students were shy when they saw illustrated panels with syphilitic lesions and condoms on the benches. However, as the interaction progressed, they were amazed by the epidemiology, exposing their doubts and prior knowledge on the subject. With each new action, the extension workers understood more about the social commitment and demonstrated more security. Thus, the project contributes to the academic training of undergraduates, providing the development of educational practices with students, who become agents for disseminating knowledge in the fight and prevention of syphilis in their social spaces.

An Investigation on Sexual and Reproductive Health Knowledge Among College Students in Guangzhou City

To inquiry the status of in awareness, behavior and attitude of sexual and reproductive health of college students in Guangzhou city, and to provide scientific basis for the promotion and education of sexual and reproductive health in college. An investigation was carried out on this issue. Questionnaire survey was used as mainly method that involved 608 students form five universities as respondents. Feedback data show that students had better awareness of condom use (92.60%) and contraception in physiological safety period (61.51%), but had lower awareness of subcutaneous implantation (4.6%), emergency contraception (28.13%) or partial short-acting oral contraceptive (30.59%). Some knowledge of syphilis (89.64%) and gonorrhea (69.41%), but lack of knowledge of condyloma acuminatum (28.61%), non-gonococcal urethritis (17.10%), vaginitis (26.64%) and other venereal diseases. Lack of specific skills to prevent unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, only 25.33% of students know the correct use of condoms. College students' knowledge of sexual and reproductive health is not optimistic, and there is a certain misunderstanding of knowledge, to prevent unintended pregnancy, prevention of sexually transmitted diseases and other related skills are far from enough. Colleges and universities should strengthen the publicity and education of sexual and reproductive health knowledge of college students, enhance their consciousness and ability of youth health, and ensure their physical and mental health.

The Isenheim Altar in Colmar Depicts &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Syphilis maligna&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;

The Isenheim altarpiece was painted for the Isenheim monastry in 1512-16 by the German artist Mathis Grünewald (1475-1528). In the frontal part of the altar, the Crucifixion is illustrated. In the second part, the Annunciation with Virgin Mary’s meeting with the Archangel Gabriel is depicted. The back part of the altar has a large golden stature of Saint Anthony. The right sidepanel has created debate about the disease of the shabby monk with widespread sores. Traditionally, he is believed to suffer from ergotism, but there are no signs of gangrene. Most likely he had <i>Syphilis maligna</i>, called “Böse blattern” or <i>Variola major</i>, which at Grünewald’s time plagued all Europe. Today, knowledge of malignant syphilis is practically non-existing. Textbooks about a hundred years ago described the characteristical bullous and pox-like, sometimes ulcerative lesions like those of the monk. In the Crucification Jesus Christ´body is covered with multiple sores resembling woodcuts of petitions and of a young man with “the French disease” attributed to Albrecht Dürer. Woodcuts of flyleaves and Albrecht Dürer´s reproduction may have inspired Grünewald to depict syphilis as a warning and rememberance of the plague.

Mother's Knowledge on HIV, Syphilis, Rubella, and Associated Factors in Northern Tanzania: Implications for MTCT Elimination Strategies.

Background Infections transmitted from mother to child (MTCT) during pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding contribute significantly to the high infant and childhood morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan African countries. The most significant and preventable of these include HIV, syphilis, and rubella. To achieve elimination, mothers need to be aware of and to understand effective preventive measures against these infections. Lack of comprehensive knowledge on transmission and prevention of MTCT infections is one of the factors hindering achievement of the elimination goals for these infections. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge of HIV, syphilis, rubella, and associated factors among mothers in the Kilimanjaro region of Tanzania. Methods We conducted a community-based cross-sectional study in three districts of the Kilimanjaro region from September to October 2016. The study involved mothers with children up to five years of age. Data collection involved the use of a questionnaire, administered by face-to-face interviews. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess predictors of mothers' knowledge on MTCT infections. Results A total of 618 mothers were recruited, with a mean age of 29.6 (SD 7.6) years. The overall knowledge on MTCT infections was low. The highest level of knowledge on MTCT infections was regarding HIV (89.2%). Fewer mothers had knowledge of syphilis (27.8%). Rubella was the least known; only 12% of mothers were aware of rubella infection. District of residence and having knowledge of syphilis were predictors for rubella knowledge, while for syphilis knowledge, significant predictors were age group, occupation, and those having knowledge on HIV and rubella. Predictors for HIV knowledge were residential district, having a mobile phone, and those having knowledge of syphilis and rubella. Conclusions This study confirmed that mothers have low overall knowledge on MTCT infections. To achieve the MTCT elimination goals, targeted interventions to improve knowledge among women of childbearing age are recommended.

A survey of syphilis knowledge among medical providers and students in Rhode Island.

Background:In the United States, syphilis cases have increased dramatically over the last decade. Recognition and timely diagnosis by medical providers are essential to treating syphilis and preventing further transmission.Methods:From 2016 to 2017, a cross-sectional survey was performed among medical students, residents, fellows, and attending physicians in Rhode Island. Topics included demographics, level of medical training, experience diagnosing and treating syphilis, and familiarity with the reverse testing algorithm. Participants were asked 25 true/false questions to assess basic knowledge of syphilis, which covered five domains: epidemiology, transmission, clinical signs and symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. Univariate and bivariate analyses were performed to determine knowledge levels across provider characteristics. Significance was defined as p < 0.05.Results:Of the 231 participants, 45% were medical students, 34% were residents or fellows, 11% were medicine attendings (non-infectious diseases), and 10% were infectious diseases attendings. The overall mean score was 9.79 (out of 25; range = 0–23, p ⩽ 0.001). Mean scores differed significantly (p < 0.001) across groups, including 7.68 for students (range = 0–16), 10.61 for residents/fellows (range = 3–17), 10.41 for non-infectious diseases attendings (range = 4–18), and 16.38 for infectious diseases attendings (range = 6–23). Familiarity with the reverse sequence algorithm was low with only 22% having heard of it. Infectious diseases attendings were significantly more knowledgeable compared to other groups. Overall and across domains, infectious diseases attendings had significantly higher scores except when compared to non-infectious diseases attendings in the epidemiology domain and residents/fellows in the transmission domain.Conclusion:Overall syphilis knowledge among non-infectious diseases medical providers was low. Improved education and clinical training are needed to promote early diagnosis, treatment, and prevention efforts.

Italian adolescents and sexual health: what has changed during the last 20 years?

Abstract Background In the majority of European countries, sex education is mandatory, but Italy is still an exception. Despite sexually transmitted diseases (STD) are believed to be less common today, long-time “forgotten” disease, as syphilis, are returning. The aims of study are i) to examine the knowledge and perceptions of adolescents regarding sex education and STD and ii) to compare our results with Italian national survey. Methods This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 6 middle schools in Siena (Italy) during May-June 2018. Data were anonymous collected using a validate questionnaire previously adopted by the Italian National Institute of Health (NIH). The results were compared with the national survey realized in 1998 by NIH. The analysis was performed using Stata 12. Results From 691 questionnaires, 540 returned fulfilled (78% response rate). The majority (95%) of respondents considered sex education “important” and thought it should be guaranteed by the school; 48% described information received so far as “sufficient”, 40% as “adequate”. “School” was indicated as the principal source of information (44%), instead of “friends” which resulted in 1998. The respondents were asked to choose from the list the STDs they knew: 96% indicated “AIDS”, 62% “syphilis”, 38% “HBV” and 36% “gonorrhoea”. In comparison to 1998, knowledge of syphilis has decresed (2018:17% vs. 1998:62%) and HBV (2018:38% vs. 1998:58%). Regarding STD, the “mass media” were cited as the principal source of information (56%), followed by “school” (41%) and “General Practitioner” (20%). Conclusions In comparison to 1998 sex education in Italian schools improved, but the knowledge of adolescents regarding the STD worsened. This result can be attributed to the fact that the survey of 1998 was realized during the years when the AIDS awareness was higher. It is necessary to further improve the sex education in Italy in order to prevent STDs. Key messages The “forgotten” sexually transmitted diseases are becoming common again, the adequate sex education in schools is necessary to prevent them. In confrontation to 1998, the sex education in Italian schools improved, but the knowledge of adolescents regarding the STD worsened.

Knowledge and attitudes of syphilis and syphilis pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among men who have sex with men in Vancouver, Canada: a qualitative study

ObjectivesIn British Columbia, Canada, syphilis is at record-high rates, with over 80% of cases in 2017 seen in gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBM). The...

A Romanian experience of syphilis in pregnancy and childbirth

Objectiveto establish the incidence of syphilis in a group of childbearing women and their newborn babies in Romania and to identify the major risk factors of materno-fetal transmission in order for midwives to develop strategies to help prevent congenital syphilis. Material and Methodsa descriptive study of a group of 982 childbearing women who gave birth during a three-month period at an Obstetrics and Gynaecology Hospital in Romania. The women completed a questionnaire, which consisted of three sections: general data, general knowledge of syphilis and birth and pregnancy data. After admission to hospital, the women were investigated for syphilis using serological tests. Resultsthere was a syphilis frequency of 0.91649% (n = 9) among the surveyed women. Among the nine infected women, two were not aware that they had a syphilis infection when initially admitted to hospital. The maternal profile with the highest risk of being diagnosed with syphilis was a young woman who had not had adequate prenatal care, who had elementary sex education and who lacked knowledge of personal health and hygiene. A significant percentage of the respondents, namely 11.9% (n = 117), were aged 15 to 20. Conclusionsin certain population groups, syphilis is still an important health care problem, especially in vulnerable individuals, such as childbearing women and newborns babies. More attention needs to be paid to primary prevention; the number of cases of congenital syphilis could be reduced by more involvement of midwifes and family doctors in antenatal care.

Perspectives on male partner notification and treatment for syphilis among antenatal women and their partners in Kampala and Wakiso districts, Uganda

BackgroundSyphilis screening can be successfully integrated into antenatal clinics, and potentially avert significant morbidity and mortality to unborn infants. A minority of male partners report for testing and treatment, increasing the likelihood of reinfection. We conducted a qualitative study to understand factors influencing male partners to seek treatment after syphilis notification by their pregnant partners.MethodsA purposeful sample of 54 adults who participated in the STOP (Syphilis Treatment of Partners) study was stratified by gender (24 women, 30 male partners) and enrolled for in-depth interviews which were audio recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using the thematic approach.ResultsThe participants’ median age (IQR) was 32 years (25–44), 87% were married, and 57.4% (31/74) had attained secondary education. Fourteen of 22 (63%) female participants reported that they sometimes experienced domestic violence. Male participant’s knowledge of syphilis and their perception of their valued role as responsible fathers of an unborn baby facilitated return. Female’s fear of partner‘s violence and poor communication between partners, were barriers against delivery of the notification forms to partners and subsequent treatment of partners. For men, fear of injection pain, perceptions of syphilis as a genetic disease and as a woman’s problem, busy work schedules, poor access to good STD services, shared facilities with women in clinics, as well as HIV-related stigma were important barrier factors.ConclusionsThe return to the clinic for treatment of male partners after partner notification by infected pregnant women, was low due to limited knowledge about syphilis, fear of painful injection, fears of domestic violence, lack of communication skills (individual characteristics) and syphilis disease characteristics such as signs and symptoms. This, combined with health services characteristics such as structural barriers that hinder male partner treatment, low access, low capacity, work/time challenges, inadequate laboratory services and low clinic personnel capacity; threatens efforts to eliminate mother-to-child infection of syphilis. Improved public messaging about syphilis, better services, legal and policy frameworks supporting STD notification and treatment in resource-constrained settings are needed for effective STD control.Trial registrationClinicaltrials.govNCT02262390., Date Registered October 8 2014.

Integrated point-of-care testing (POCT) for HIV, syphilis, malaria and anaemia at antenatal facilities in western Kenya: a qualitative study exploring end-users\u2019 perspectives of appropriateness, acceptability and feasibility

BackgroundHIV, syphilis, malaria and anaemia are leading preventable causes of adverse pregnancy outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa yet testing coverage for conditions other than HIV is low. Availing point-of-care tests (POCTs) at rural antenatal health facilities (dispensaries) has the potential to improve access and timely treatment. Fundamental to the adoption of and adherence to new diagnostic approaches are healthcare workers’ and pregnant women’s (end-users) buy-in. A qualitative approach was used to capture end-users’ experiences of using POCTs for HIV, syphilis, malaria and anaemia to assess the appropriateness, acceptability and feasibility of integrated testing for ANC.MethodsSeven dispensaries were purposively selected to implement integrated point-of-care testing for eight months in western Kenya. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 healthcare workers (14 nurses, one clinical officer, two HIV testing counsellors, and one laboratory technician) who were trained, had experience doing integrated point-of-care testing, and were still working at the facilities 8–12 months after the intervention began. The interviews explored acceptability and relevance of POCTs to ANC, challenges with testing, training and supervision, and healthcare workers’ perspectives of client experiences. Twelve focus group discussions with 118 pregnant women who had attended a first ANC visit at the study facilities during the intervention were conducted to explore their knowledge of HIV, syphilis, malaria, and anaemia, experience of ANC point-of-care testing services, treatments received, relationships with healthcare workers, and experience of talking to partners about HIV and syphilis results.ResultsHealthcare workers reported that they enjoyed gaining new skills, were enthusiastic about using POCTs, and found them easy to use and appropriate to their practice. Initial concerns that performing additional testing would increase their workload in an already strained environment were resolved with experience and proficiency with the testing procedures. However, despite having the diagnostic tools, general health system challenges such as high client to healthcare worker volume ratio, stock-outs and poor working conditions challenged the delivery of adequate counselling and management of the four conditions. Pregnant women appreciated POCTs, but reported poor healthcare worker attitudes, drug stock-outs, and fear of HIV disclosure to their partners as shortcomings to their ANC experience in general.ConclusionThis study provides insights on the acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility of integrating POCTs into ANC services among end-users. While the innovation was desired and perceived as beneficial, future scale-up efforts would need to address health system weaknesses if integrated testing and subsequent effective management of the four conditions are to be achieved.

Low sexually transmissible infection knowledge, risk perception and concern about infection among men who have sex with men and transgender women at high risk of infection.

This mixed-methods study explored these constructs among 60 racially and ethnically diverse MSM and TGW who regularly engage in condomless anal intercourse with multiple partners. Participants had a mean age of 40.63 years. Most (95%) identified as a man and as gay or homosexual (73%); 55% were college graduates. Almost half the respondents reported a prior STI. Participants correctly answered a mean of 55.36% and 76.90% STI and HIV knowledge items respectively. STI knowledge was positively correlated with education and prior HIV tests, and was higher among those with a prior STI. During in-depth interviews, some participants expressed concerns about limited knowledge of STIs and syphilis. Half reported low concern about syphilis infection, due to prior treatment that was perceived as relatively simple, lack of STI infection in the past, erroneous information about transmission routes or simply not thinking about it. Among this high-risk sample who perceived themselves to be at low risk of infection, knowledge was primarily gained through being diagnosed and treated for an STI rather than from acquiring knowledge to prevent STI infection. Participants expressed interest in increasing their STI knowledge and recognised the importance of regular STI testing. Dissemination of targeted information about STI prevention, routinising of STI testing and STI self-testing might contribute to decreasing STI infection rates among this population.

The current status of syphilis prevention and control in Jiangsu province, China: A cross-sectional study.

ObjectiveTo analyze the midterm evaluation data from the National Syphilis Prevention and Control Plan (2010–2020) and evaluate the current status of syphilis prevention and control in Jiangsu province, China.MethodsWe collected data via (1) field surveys conducted in 2015 and (2) data recorded in existing syphilis surveillance systems. We conducted descriptive statistical analysis to evaluate the current landscape of syphilis control initiatives and their potential effect in syphilis control.ResultsThe incidence of all cases of syphilis decreased from 2010 (32.3 per 100,000) to 2015 (30.1 per 100,000), with an annual growth of -1.17% (x2trend = -7.52, P<0.001) in Jiangsu province. The incidence of primary and secondary syphilis and congenital syphilis both decreased significantly from 2010 to 2015. The average awareness rate of syphilis knowledge among professional personnel was 95.4% (3781/3963). Rural residents had the lowest awareness rate (83.5%, 1875/2245) and commercial sex workers had the highest awareness rate (92.1%, 7804/8474) in 2015. Only 47.8% (33908/70894) of patients received provider-initiated syphilis counseling and testing (PISTC) services in sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinics, but 94.5% (87927/93020) of all syphilis patients received free testing for syphilis. Overall, 97.2% (9378/9648) of syphilis reported cases of syphilis at medical institutions were confirmed to be accurate, and 92.2% (5850/6345) of patients diagnosed with syphilis at medical institutions received treatment with penicillin.ConclusionThe syphilis incidence rate in Jiangsu has decreased in recent years, but remains at a high level. It is essential to promote PISTC services to improve knowledge of syphilis and rates of testing and treatment in Jiangsu province.

Knowledge of sexually transmitted diseases among young Palestinian people: an analysis of cross-sectional survey data

BackgroundSexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are an important reason for adults to seek health care in developing countries, given inadequate knowledge in the general population about such diseases. This study assesses the level of knowledge about STDs among Palestinians aged 14–30 years. MethodsThe Palestinian Family Health Survey 2010 from the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) included questions about young peoples’ knowledge of STDs, including AIDS, syphilis, gonorrhoea, fungal infections, and genital warts. A knowledge scale was developed from questions excluding AIDS disease, which is known by most young people. Internal consistency was α=0·62. Respondents were recorded as having either no knowledge of STDs or knowledge of at least one disease. Bivariate analysis was completed using SPSS to assess the relation between knowing any STDs and age, sex, region, locality, wealth index, educational attainment, and marital and work status. Significant associations were included in a regression model to check for confounders. Findings4402 households were included. 1675 (38·1%) respondents knew at least one of these diseases; the rest 2727 (61·9%) knew none. Logistic regression analysis revealed that respondents in Gaza were less likely to know about at least one STD than those in the West Bank (OR 0·658, 95% CI 0·573–0·754). Female respondents were more likely to know about an STD than male respondents (1·164, 1·019–1·33). Compared with young people aged 14–18 years, knowledge of at least one STD was more likely in those aged 19–23 years (1·465, 1·246–1·723) and 24–30 years (1·315, 1·11–1·557). Respondents with more than 12 years of education (10·873, 5·842–20·225) and 12 years or less (4·24, 2·342–7·677) were more likely to know of at least one STD compared with those with no education. Respondents who were not working were more likely to know of an STD compared with workers (4·971, 4·06–6·087). Young people from better-off (1·995, 1·603–2·483) and middle class families (1·293, 1·084–1·541) were more likely to know of at least one STDs compared to those from poor families (categories defined by PCBS dependent on standard of living and monthly household income). InterpretationKnowledge of STDs was reduced among young people who were younger, illiterate, male, poor, living in Gaza, and working. Provision of information to young people is needed through education, development of health-care services, and communication strategies focused on raising awareness of STDs. FundingNone.

Factors associated with failure to screen for syphilis during antenatal care in Ghana: a case control study.

BackgroundThere is little data regarding the effect of ramping up new screening interventions on their uptake by target populations into routine care services in developing countries. This study aimed to determine patient-level factors associated with failure of pregnant women to get screened for syphilis during antenatal care, in the context of a national rollout of rapid syphilis point of care tests (POCTs) in Ghana.MethodsAn unmatched 1:2 case control study conducted among women admitted for delivery in two district hospitals in the Ashanti Region of Ghana from August to October 2010, 7 to 9 months after the introduction of POCTs in the region. Cases were women who had not been screened for syphilis during antenatal care and controls were women who had been screened. Patient-reported factors for being unscreened were examined using logistic regression to obtain odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).Results160 consecutive unscreened and 327 screened women were recruited. Most women had good knowledge of syphilis (58.7% among unscreened women vs. 64.2% among screened; P = 0.24). Factors associated with failure to get screened were: attending antenatal care in a private health facility (adjusted OR, 11.09; 95% CI 5.48-22.48), previous adverse pregnancy outcome (adjusted OR, 1.98; 95% CI 1.22-3.23) and not being screened for HIV during the current pregnancy (adjusted OR, 2.78; 95% CI 1.50-5.13). The odds of being unscreened also increased with decreasing doses of intermittent preventive treatment for malaria in pregnancy received (P trend < 0.001) and decreasing education level (P trend = 0.02).ConclusionSignificant risk factors for not being screened, following the national rollout of syphilis POCTs, related to the type of health facility where antenatal care was received and some of the women’s personal characteristics. Targeting of private medical facilities to include syphilis POCTs and support other neglected public health interventions should be a priority.

A cross-national study to compare the knowledge, attitudes, perceptions of sexually transmitted diseases and the sexual risk behaviors of Latino adolescents

Adolescents are at high risk of acquiring sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). However, little is known about differences in knowledge and risk behaviors across nationalities. The objective of this study was to assess and compare the knowledge and perceptions of STDs and the sexual risk behaviors in Latino adolescents in the United States (US) and the Dominican Republic (DR). A survey was administered to 364 high school students after obtaining parental consent. The questionnaire asked about demographics, sources of STD information, risk behaviors, and knowledge of syphilis, gonorrhea, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Mean percentage scores were calculated to compare correct responses by nationality, gender, and sexual activity. Predictors of self-reported high risk sexual behavior were identified by multivariable logistic regression analysis. In all, 242 (66%) US and 122 (34%) DR students were interviewed. Of these, 52% were males. Median age was 15 years (range, 13-18). Sexual activity was reported by 40% of the participants and did not differ by gender (p=0.43) or national origin (p=0.53), although it was greater for adolescents older than 15 years of age (60% vs. 35%, p<0.001). US students identified abstinence as an effective STD prevention method more often than their counterparts (p=<0.001). Knowledge of specific STDs was higher in girls (p=0.002) and Dominicans (p=0.003). Predictors of high risk behavior were male gender (OR<uni-003D;2.50, 95% CI 1.35-4.63) and being sexually active (OR<uni-003D;3.09, 95% CI 1.71-5.59). Sexual activity at an early age was prevalent, and knowledge of STDs low in these two groups of high school students. Males and sexually active individuals were more likely to engage in high risk behaviors. Girls and Dominican students exhibited greater knowledge of specific STDs.