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

Abstract

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.

Syphilis and dentists: The data about knowledge and awareness of clinicians in Turkey

“…But, findings of a similar survey-based study conducted with medical students, fellows and attending physicians revealed that overall syphilis knowledge was low and need for education and clinical training to promote syphilis management. 13 Therefore, we anticipate that the knowledge gaps identified in dentists in Turkey likely exist in other countries, and/or healthcare professions other than dentists as well. It should also be considered as another limitation that the cross-sectional design of this study does not allow to determine the causality.…”

“…• "Extra-oral Clinical Features," • "Oral Findings," • "Diagnosis & Treatment" of syphilis. [12][13][14] As part of the final section, participants were asked two questions based on a 5-point Likert scale 15,16 to assess how comfortable they were taking anamnesis with respect to a patient's sexual behavior (Table 1). The scale scores and their interpretations were as 0: never/1: rarely/2: sometimes/ 3: frequently/4: always.…”

The Tenacious Treponema: A Retrospective Examination of Syphilis Treatment Disparities in Washington, DC

“…19 Lastly, "adequate plus" therapy may reflect lack of knowledge regarding management of syphilis among treating providers. 23 Educational efforts and continued evaluation of practice styles are needed given concerns about cost, availability, and antimicrobial stewardship.…”

“…“Adequate plus” treatment was notably higher for treatment of early syphilis involving PLWH, which could reflect slow adaptation to changes as the 1993 guidelines allowed for extra doses of penicillin for PLWH at the providers discretion 19 . Lastly, “adequate plus” therapy may reflect lack of knowledge regarding management of syphilis among treating providers 23 . Educational efforts and continued evaluation of practice styles are needed given concerns about cost, availability, and antimicrobial stewardship.…”

Guía de Sífilis Gestacional y Congénita: perspectivas de profesionales de la salud en Bolívar (Colombia)

“…Respecto al nivel de conocimientos, considerado regular, nuestros resultados son similares a lo publicado en estudios previos desarrollados en personal sanitario de Brasil, Colombia y Estados Unidos (9,11,12). El hallazgo de los mejores niveles de conocimientos en los médicos residentes y el bajo nivel en enfermeras también fue descrito en hospitales de Teresina (Brasil) por Rodrigues et al en 2018 (13), quienes postulan que esta situación podría estar relacionada con la mayor rotación del personal de enfermería, que probablemente estaría menos familiarizado con los protocolos.…”