Syphilis among pregnant women in Juba, Southern Sudan.
OBJECTIVE
Determine factors associated with syphilis among pregnant women.


METHODS
Cross-sectional study.


METHODS
Antenatal clinics of Juba Teaching Hospital, Malakia National Health Insurance Centre and Munuki Primary Health Care Centre in Juba, Southern Sudan.


METHODS
Consenting pregnant women not on syphilis treatment.


METHODS
Socio-demographic and clinical data, knowledge and behavioural characteristics.


RESULTS
Of the 231 pregnant women participants, 51 (22.1%) were positive for syphilis with the rapid plasma reagin test and 79 (34.2%) were positive with the treponema pallidum Haemagglutination assay. Risk factors for syphilis were: housewife (OR 2.808; P= 0.0116), abortion (OR 2.654; P= 0.0116) and partner travel (OR 2.149; P= 0.028). Attending antenatal clinic for previous pregnancy was protective (OR 0.281; P= 0.0004) for syphilis.


CONCLUSIONS
This is the first study to determine the prevalence and associated factors in the three clinics in Juba, South Sudan. There is a high prevalence of syphilis in pregnant women attending the selected health facilities. Treponema Pallindum Haemagglulination Assay can be used as a field test for syphilis due to its high sensitivity and specificity. Health education, screening and treating positive expectant mothers can reduce the prevalence of syphilis.
Public Health Laboratory, Ministry of Health of the Government of Southern Sudan.
S K
SK
Emmanuel
M
M
Lado
S
S
Amwayi
A M
AM
Abade
J O
JO
Oundo
J R
JR
Ongus
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D011295:Prenatal Care; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013397:Sudan; D013587:Syphilis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D055815:Young Adult