Prevalence of Active Syphilis and HIV Status and Awareness Among Adults 15 - 59 years old in Tanzania (2016 - 2017): Results from Population-based Nationally Representative Survey Public

Abstract

Introduction: HIV and syphilis co-infection is common in communities with high STI prevalence. We examined the association between active syphilis, HIV new diagnosis, and other determinants among adults aged 15-59 years old in Tanzania. 

Methods: We analyzed data from the Tanzania HIV Impact Survey (THIS) from 2016 to 2017 to describe the prevalence of active syphilis and associated factors. THIS was a nationally representative cross-sectional population-based survey of households. Eligible household members between the ages of 15 and 59 were interviewed and tested for syphilis and HIV. Stratum-specific prevalence was calculated for active syphilis for strata of sociodemographic factors, HIV infection status, self-reported high-risk sexual behavior variables (e.g., sold sex in the last 12 months), age, gender, education, marital status, wealth, and neighborhood of residence. New HIV diagnosis was defined by a positive HIV test result in a person who reported being HIV-negative. We performed bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis to study the association between active syphilis status and participant characteristics and behaviors. All reported results are weighted and account for the complex survey design. 

Results: The overall syphilis prevalence was 0.8%. Among participants who were HIV positive and aware of their status, the odds of being syphilis positive were almost four times higher compared to participants who were HIV-negative; among those who were HIV positive but unaware of their status, the odds of being syphilis positive were almost six times higher compared to participants who were HIV negative. After adjusting for sociodemographic factors and sexual behaviors, HIV positivity awareness and unawareness remained significantly associated with active syphilis. Selling sex in the last 12 months and being divorced were both associated with a higher syphilis prevalence among those who responded affirmatively compared to those who responded negatively before and after controlling for other covariates. 

Conclusion: To reduce the burden of curable active syphilis among adults in Tanzania, routine HIV and syphilis testing should continue to be encouraged whenever possible. Furthermore, targeted interventions that focus on testing and treating sex workers and those who are divorced should be developed. 

Keywords: HIV; Syphilis; Sub-Saharan Africa; co-infection. 

Table of Contents

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Discussion

Tables & Figures

References

About this Master's Thesis

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School	Rollins School of Public Health
Department	Epidemiology
Degree	M.P.H.
Submission	Master's Thesis
Language	English
Research Field	Health Sciences, Epidemiology Health Sciences, Public Health
Mot-clé	syphilis sub-Saharan Africa co-infection HIV
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	Patrick S. Sullivan, Emory University
Committee Members	Andrew C. Voetsch, Emory University

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