Keeping Score on the Sores: Analyzing Syphilis Trends in Middle Georgia
Abstract
BACKGROUND
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that sexually transmitted diseases (STD) such as Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Syphilis are increasing at extremely high rates. North Central Health District (NCHD) Communicable Disease Program has similar trends in middle Georgia’s STD data. To identify those at higher risk and to guide prevention efforts of the program, it was determined that a descriptive study examining recent trends in Primary and Secondary Syphilis was needed.
METHODOLOGY
A cross-sectional study utilized Primary and Secondary Syphilis data collected from the Online Analytical Statistical Information System (OASIS). The study sample included local and state data, derived from years, 2015-2021. Descriptive statistics were used to compare demographic information across the study sample to determine trends that could be further examined to develop preventive measures within at-risk groups.
RESULTS
From 2015-2021, there was a 53% increase in Primary Syphilis and 24% increase in Secondary Syphilis within Middle Georgia. Both stages illustrated a steady increase, however; there were higher rates of Secondary Syphilis. In addition, African American population has the highest rates of cases, among any other race for Primary and Secondary syphilis.
CONCLUSION
Although preventive measures have been widely communicated, individuals continue to engage in risky sexual behaviors, which increases the rates of Syphilis. Greater effort is needed to create evidence-based initiatives that will reduce the risky behaviors, by gaining a better understanding on the continuous rise of cases, within the state, and the African American population.
Keywords
Cross-sectional, Primary Syphilis, Secondary Syphilis, demographics, social determinant, at-risk, Online Analytical Statistical Information System (OASIS)
Keeping Score on the Sores: Analyzing Syphilis Trends in Middle Georgia
BACKGROUND
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that sexually transmitted diseases (STD) such as Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Syphilis are increasing at extremely high rates. North Central Health District (NCHD) Communicable Disease Program has similar trends in middle Georgia’s STD data. To identify those at higher risk and to guide prevention efforts of the program, it was determined that a descriptive study examining recent trends in Primary and Secondary Syphilis was needed.
METHODOLOGY
A cross-sectional study utilized Primary and Secondary Syphilis data collected from the Online Analytical Statistical Information System (OASIS). The study sample included local and state data, derived from years, 2015-2021. Descriptive statistics were used to compare demographic information across the study sample to determine trends that could be further examined to develop preventive measures within at-risk groups.
RESULTS
From 2015-2021, there was a 53% increase in Primary Syphilis and 24% increase in Secondary Syphilis within Middle Georgia. Both stages illustrated a steady increase, however; there were higher rates of Secondary Syphilis. In addition, African American population has the highest rates of cases, among any other race for Primary and Secondary syphilis.
CONCLUSION
Although preventive measures have been widely communicated, individuals continue to engage in risky sexual behaviors, which increases the rates of Syphilis. Greater effort is needed to create evidence-based initiatives that will reduce the risky behaviors, by gaining a better understanding on the continuous rise of cases, within the state, and the African American population.
