Syphilis in riverine communities: prevalence and associated factors

Abstract

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of syphilis and associated factors in riverine communities. Method: This is a cross-sectional and analytical study carried out with 250 riverside dwellers living in five communities in the city of João Pessoa, state of Paraíba. Data were collected through interviews and rapid screening tests to investigate syphilis. Bivariate, logistic regression and weight of evidence analysis were performed to identify the association between risk factors and behavior variables and rapid test positivity. Results: he prevalence of syphilis was 11.6% (95%CI: 7.5–15.6). Riverside dwellers who have a previous history of Sexually Transmitted Infection (OR 8.00; 95%CI: 2.76–23.2), history of imprisonment (OR 7.39; 95%CI: 1.61–33.7) and who reported having more than two sexual partners in the last 12 months (OR 4.31; 95%CI: 1.55–11.9) were more likely to be positive for syphilis. Conclusion: High prevalence of syphilis among riverside dwellers and the presence of behavioral factors that increase vulnerability to acquiring the infection. The need to invest in preventive and screening strategies for syphilis in populations considered vulnerable is highlighted.

Prevalência E Associação De Sífilis Congênita Em Capital Do Nordeste Do Brasil

“…A baixa adesão ao tratamento da gestante, a não adesão ao tratamento pelo parceiro e a vulnerabilidade social elavam o risco de transmissão vertical em cerca de 70% a 100% dos casos notificados. 10,2 Pesquisadores alertam para o melhor investimento no diagnóstico precoce, mediante o teste rápido e o monitoramento até o parto, com tratamento para todas as gestantes infetadas, por meio do uso de penicilina benzantina. 11,3 Considera-se tratamento adequado da sífilis gestacional a administração de benzilpenicilina até 30 dias antes do parto, em conformidade com cada caso diagnosticado, a saber: sífilis primária, secundária e latente recente, sífilis tardia e terciária.…”