title: Room for improvement--syphilis; knowledge and delayed diagnosis among sexual health clinic attendees.
abstract: Cases of early infectious syphilis are increasing in Ireland. A questionnaire distributed to sexual health clinic attendees assessed syphilis knowledge. A telephone survey in patients with secondary syphilis explored potential delays in diagnosis. 272 questionnaires were completed. 54% of respondents were male, 222 (81.6%) were Irish.31/268 (12%) who stated their sexual orientation were men who have sex with men (MSM). 226 (83%) had heard of syphilis. MSM had better knowledge compared to heterosexual males (p<0.05). Contact details were available for 60 patients with secondary syphilis. 37 patients were surveyed. 31/37 (84%) recalled symptoms prior to diagnosis, mean duration of symptoms 53 days (range 7-168). 23/37 (62%) reported consulting at least one physician before attending sexual health services. 12/23 (52%) were given an alternate or no diagnosis. Greater awareness of syphilis signs and symptoms is needed amongst patients and healthcare providers to prevent delayed diagnosis leading to ongoing transmission.
authors.affiliation: Department of Infectious Diseases, St James's Hospital, James's St, Dublin 8.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hunter
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Badwal
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Singh
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Fairbairn
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Shaharuddin
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Muldoon
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D018451:Homosexuality, Male; D006801:Humans; D007494:Ireland / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D010044:Outpatient Clinics, Hospital; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D013587:Syphilis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult