title: The syphilis elimination project: targeting the Hispanic community of Baltimore city.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objective of the Syphilis Elimination Project was to decrease the incidence of syphilis in the Hispanic community of Baltimore City through a culturally appropriate health initiative.
  
  
  METHODS
  Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used in the study design. Surveillance data were used to collect testing information. Comparisons at the start and end of the project measured change in individual knowledge about syphilis. Cross-sectional data from interviews with business owners and qualitative comments from outreach workers evaluated perception of program effectiveness. The local health department collected surveillance data.
  
  
  METHODS
  A convenience sample of 63 Hispanic community members, 12 business owners/managers, and 8 outreach workers was utilized throughout the evaluation process.
  
  
  METHODS
  The project was a culturally appropriate approach to health promotion with street and business outreach.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Post intervention there was a statistically significant increase in knowledge about syphilis within the Hispanic community and an increase in testing behaviors.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The Syphilis Elimination Project was created in response to a marked increase in syphilis in Baltimore among the Hispanic population and a health disparity that existed within the city. It increased community members' knowledge of syphilis and positively influenced testing behaviors.
authors.affiliation: Johns Hopkins University, School of Nursing, Baltimore, Maryland, USA. cendyke1@son.jhmi.edu
authors.forename: Cara
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Endyke-Doran
authors.forename: Rosa Maria
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Gonzalez
authors.forename: Marangellie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Trujillo
authors.forename: Angelo
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Solera
authors.forename: Pierre N
authors.initials: PN
authors.lastname: Vigilance
authors.forename: Lori A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Edwards
authors.forename: Sara L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Groves
mesh_terms: D015142:Baltimore / Q000453:epidemiology; D019058:Community Networks; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006630:Hispanic or Latino; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D011159:Population Surveillance; D013587:Syphilis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*