Factors Associated with Syphilis Infection among Outpatients in Asikuma Odoben Brakwa District
Date
2017-07
Authors
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Publisher
University of Ghana
Abstract
Introduction: Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection which is still a global public health
concern. It affects both sexes and all ages but mostly prevalent among the sexually active age
group (15-49 years). It results in diverse complications and also promote the contraction of other
sexually transmitted infection including the potential of increasing the risk of contracting
HIV/AIDS by two to five folds. Its prevalence in developed countries is far lower compared to
developing counties. The HIV/AIDS Sentinel Survey indicated that Asikuma Odoben Brakwa
district in the Central region has consistently recorded the highest prevalence in the country.
Objective: To determine the prevalence and factors associated with syphilis infection among
outpatients 15-49 years in Asikuma Odoben Brakwa district.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used in thirteen (13) randomly selected
health facilities. Two hundred and seventy-seven (277) patients aged 15-49 years presenting at the
Outpatient Departments were enrolled into the study. Blood samples were taken and tested for
syphilis infection and a questionnaire was administered to determine the factors associated with
the disease. Data were analyzed with Stata version 14.
Results: The overall prevalence of syphilis was 3.2% (9/277), with 5.7% (6/105) and 1.7% (3/172)
among males and females respectively. Significant factors associated with syphilis include subdistrict
of residence, (X2 (4) = 31.20, p<O.OOI), history of coerced sexual intercourse (X2 (1) = 8.79,
p=O.003), and having more than one sex partner within the past year (X2 (2) = 8.54, p<0.014).
Conclusion: Syphilis is more prevalent among male patients and generally high in patients who
live in rural areas. Having a history of coerced sex and having more than one sex partner within a
year increases an individual's chance of contracting syphilis infection in Asikuma Odoben Brakwa
district.
Description
MPH
Keywords
Sexually transmitted infection, Syphilis, Asikuma Odoben Brakwa