The Prevalence of Syphilis Infection and Its Associated Factors in the General Population of Rwanda: A National Household-Based Survey

Type Journal Article - Journal of sexually transmitted diseases
Title The Prevalence of Syphilis Infection and Its Associated Factors in the General Population of Rwanda: A National Household-Based Survey
Author(s)
Volume 2016
Publication (Day/Month/Year) 2016
URL http://downloads.hindawi.com/journals/jstd/2016/4980417.pdf
Abstract
Background. The prevalence of syphilis among HIV-infected people is a public health concern, but there is limited literature to
describe the true burden of syphilis in resource-limited settings. We conducted this survey in 2013 to estimate the prevalence of
syphilis. Methods. A cross-sectional survey. Participants were tested for syphilis and HIV. Factors associated with syphilis infection
were identified. Results. The prevalence of syphilis was 0.9% (95% CI: 0.7–1.1). This prevalence was higher in the 25–49-year-old
age (1.1% [95% CI: 0.8–1.3]) than in the 15–24-year-old age (0.6% (95% CI: 0.4–0.9)). Women with lower education had a higher
prevalence of syphilis (1.2% (95% CI: 0.9–1.5)) compared to others (0.4% (95% CI: 0.2–0.8)). This prevalence among HIV-infected
people was six times higher: 4.8% (95% CI: 2.9–7.9) compared to HIV-negative people (0.8% (95% CI: 0.6–1.0)). The prevalence
of syphilis among HIV-infected females was 5.9% (95% CI: 3.4–10.0). HIV-infected or concurrent sexual partners was associated
with increased syphilis prevalence with aOR = 4.2 (95% CI: 2.5–7.2) and aOR = 4.2 (95% CI: 2.8–6.5), respectively. Conclusions.
The prevalence of syphilis was significantly higher among HIV-infected patients. HIV infection and concurrent sexual partners are
associated with an increased prevalence of syphilis. Preventing HIV might help in preventing syphilis.

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