Using Community Informed Methods to Reduce Syphilis in Cherokee County
Abstract
Background: From 2019 to 2022 there was a 45% increase in confirmed syphilis cases in Cherokee County. This increase presented despite prevention, testing, and treatment resources being made available at low cost through the health department. Health Department data has shown there is a disproportionate burden of disease among Hispanic, Black non-Hispanic and other historically underserved populations.
Methods: The Cherokee County Health Department has acquired The Community Engagement to Strengthen Approaches to Decrease Syphilis (Cohort 2) Grant through NACCHO. To engage the community, we launched a community needs assessment over social media and dating apps throughout Cherokee County. This assessment is intended to get information directly from community members regarding perceived barriers to care. To reach those most affected by the burden of syphilis, we are promoting the online survey more frequently in areas with majority Hispanic and/or Black populations, which was done using geotargeting. Gift card incentives and sexual health kits were offered to those who completed the survey to increase response rates. Additionally, a total of five community focus groups are being conducted to reach community members and community organization leaders. Community-based organizations are also promoting our needs assessment to reach their existing clientele.
Results: Upon analysis of survey and focus group data by April 2024, we will be able to form an accurate, representative profile of the burden of syphilis in Cherokee County, including perceived barriers, populations affected, and community needs. This profile is the foundation for an action plan to reduce the syphilis burden in Cherokee County through needed adjustments to current health department interventions.
Conclusion: By engaging community members, we are able to increase access to syphilis care by addressing barriers the community actually experiences, not just provider perceived barriers.
Keywords: Community Needs Assessment, Syphilis, Minority Health, Health Equity
Keywords
Community Needs Assessment, Syphilis, Minority Health, Health Equity
Using Community Informed Methods to Reduce Syphilis in Cherokee County
Background: From 2019 to 2022 there was a 45% increase in confirmed syphilis cases in Cherokee County. This increase presented despite prevention, testing, and treatment resources being made available at low cost through the health department. Health Department data has shown there is a disproportionate burden of disease among Hispanic, Black non-Hispanic and other historically underserved populations.
Methods: The Cherokee County Health Department has acquired The Community Engagement to Strengthen Approaches to Decrease Syphilis (Cohort 2) Grant through NACCHO. To engage the community, we launched a community needs assessment over social media and dating apps throughout Cherokee County. This assessment is intended to get information directly from community members regarding perceived barriers to care. To reach those most affected by the burden of syphilis, we are promoting the online survey more frequently in areas with majority Hispanic and/or Black populations, which was done using geotargeting. Gift card incentives and sexual health kits were offered to those who completed the survey to increase response rates. Additionally, a total of five community focus groups are being conducted to reach community members and community organization leaders. Community-based organizations are also promoting our needs assessment to reach their existing clientele.
Results: Upon analysis of survey and focus group data by April 2024, we will be able to form an accurate, representative profile of the burden of syphilis in Cherokee County, including perceived barriers, populations affected, and community needs. This profile is the foundation for an action plan to reduce the syphilis burden in Cherokee County through needed adjustments to current health department interventions.
Conclusion: By engaging community members, we are able to increase access to syphilis care by addressing barriers the community actually experiences, not just provider perceived barriers.
Keywords: Community Needs Assessment, Syphilis, Minority Health, Health Equity
