Dataset Information

Factors associated with syphilis infection: a cross-sectional survey among outpatients in Asikuma Odoben Brakwa District, Ghana.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. The disease affects all ages and both sexes but more prevalent among the sexually active age group of 15-49 years. The purpose of the current study was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with syphilis infection among outpatients 15-49 years in the Asikuma Odoben Brakwa District of Ghana where high levels of infection were earlier reported among antenatal women.

Methods

A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in 13 randomly selected health facilities. Blood samples were collected and tested for syphilis infection and a questionnaire administered to determine factors associated with the disease.

Results

A total 277 patients aged 15-49 years participated in the study. The overall prevalence of syphilis infection 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 infection included sub-district of residence, (χ² (4) = 31.20, p < 0.001) and history of coerced sexual intercourse (χ² (1) =7.49, p = 0.006).

Conclusions

The prevalence of syphilis infection was high among male patients who lived in rural areas. Having a history of coerced sexual intercourse was a strong predictor for syphilis infection. Access to sexually transmitted infection control interventions in rural communities including health education may help control the disease.

SUBMITTER: Banong-le M

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6489217 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

Factors associated with syphilis infection: a cross-sectional survey among outpatients in Asikuma Odoben Brakwa District, Ghana.

Banong-le Martin M Ofosu Samuel Kwabena SK Anto Francis F

BMC infectious diseases 20190429 1

<h4>Background</h4>Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. The disease affects all ages and both sexes but more prevalent among the sexually active age group of 15-49 years. The purpose of the current study was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with syphilis infection among outpatients 15-49 years in the Asikuma Odoben Brakwa District of Ghana where high levels of infection were earlier reported among antenatal women.<h4>Methods</ ...[more]

PMID: 31035953

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Project description:PurposeKnowledge, positive attitude and good preventive practices are keys to successful myopia control, but information on these is lacking in Africa. This study determined the KAP on myopia in Ghana.MethodsThis was a population-based cross-sectional survey conducted among adults (aged 18 years and older) living across 16 regions of Ghana between May and October 2021. Data on socio-demographic factors (sex, age, gender, level of education, working status, type of employment, monthly income, and region of residence), respondents' awareness, and knowledge, attitude and preventive practices (KAP) about myopia were collected. Composite and mean scores were calculated from eleven knowledge (total score = 61), eight attitude (48), and nine preventive practice items (33). Differences in mean scores were assessed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and standardized coefficients (β) with 95% confidence intervals (CI), using multiple linear regression to determine the associations between the dependent (KAP) and demographic variables.ResultsOf the 1,919 participants, mean age was 37.4 ± 13.4 years, 42.3% were aged 18-30 years, 52.6% were men, 55.8% had completed tertiary education, and 49.2% had either heard about myopia, or accurately defined myopia as short sightedness. The mean KAP scores were 22.9 ± 23.7, 33.9 ± 5.4, and 22.3 ± 2.8, respectively and varied significantly with many of the demographic variables particularly with age group, region, marital status, and type of employment. Multiple linear regression analyses revealed significant associations between region of residence and knowledge (β =-0.54, 95%CI:-0.87, -0.23, p < 0.001), attitude (β =-0.24, 95%CI:-0.35,-0.14, p < 0.001) and preventive practices (β = 0.07, 95%CI: 0.01, 0.12, p = 0.015). Preventive practices were also associated with type of employment (self-employed vs employee: β = 0.25, 95%CI: 0.15, 4.91, p < 0.05). Knowledge scores were significantly higher in those who lived in the Greater Accra (39.5 ± 18.5) and Eastern regions (39.1 ± 17.5) and lower among those who lived in the Upper West region (6.4 ± 15.6). Government employees and those with tertiary education had significantly higher mean knowledge scores compared with non-government employees (β = 4.56, 95%CI 1.22, 7.89, p = 0.007), and those with primary/no education (β = 18.35, 95%CI: 14.42, 22.27, p < 0.001).ConclusionGhanaian participants had adequate knowledge of myopia but showed poor attitude and low preventive practices, which varied significantly between regions and were modified by socio-demographic factors. Further research into how education can be used to stimulate Ghanaians' engagement in preventive practices is needed.

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Dataset Information

Factors associated with syphilis infection: a cross-sectional survey among outpatients in Asikuma Odoben Brakwa District, Ghana.

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Publications

Factors associated with syphilis infection: a cross-sectional survey among outpatients in Asikuma Odoben Brakwa District, Ghana.

Similar Datasets

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