Prevalence and risk factors of congenital syphilis infection in Thailand during A.D. 2016-2021
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14456/taj.2023.13Keywords:
congenital syphilis, area-based study, generalized estimating equation (GEE)Abstract
This study aimed to explore the prevalence of congenital syphilis and to examine the relationship between demographic and public health factors and the rate of congenital syphilis infection. The factors considered include the percentage of pregnant women aged 15-49 years, the percentage of women with syphilis infection, the average number of school years of women, and the percentage of syphilis screening in pregnant women. Secondary data from years 2016 to 2021 were utilized, covering various provinces excluding Bangkok. Descriptive statistics and Generalized Estimating Equation were employed for data analysis. The analysis revealed a significant association between public health factors and the rate of congenital syphilis infection. Specifically, a higher percentage of women with syphilis infection was found to significantly increase the rate of congenital syphilis infection (b = 1.42 95%CI = 1.245, 1.589). This study highlights the importance of the syphilis screening test in pregnant women as it is a crucial factor associated with congenital syphilis. Therefore, promoting the quality of antenatal care is essential for both pregnant women and their sexual partners. This ensures early screening tests and standard treatments are received through the health service system leading to a reduction in the number of congenital syphilis infections in infants. This approach is effective in controlling factors linked to congenital syphilis infection.
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