The syphilis elimination project: targeting the Hispanic community of Baltimore city.
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.
Endyke-Doran
Cara
C
Johns Hopkins University, School of Nursing, Baltimore, Maryland, USA. cendyke1@son.jhmi.edu
Gonzalez
Rosa Maria
RM
Trujillo
Marangellie
M
Solera
Angelo
A
Vigilance
Pierre N
PN
Edwards
Lori A
LA
Groves
Sara L
SL
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*