Prevalence of syphilis among commercial sex workers in Mbarara Municipality
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Date
2017-11
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kampala International University, School of Health Sciences
Abstract
Syphilis, a sexually transmitted disease with a chronic progression, is caused by the spirochete, Treponema pallidum, subspecies pallidum. There is limited information on prevalence of syphilis among commercial sex workers in Mbarara Municipality. Routine syphilis screening policy among pregnant women and commercial sex workers has not automatically translated into an effective health programme in Uganda. The general objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of syphilis among commercial sex workers in Mbarara Municipality, Mbarara District. The specific objectives of the study were; to establish the social-demographic factors associated with syphilis among commercial sex workers in Mbarara municipality, Mbarara District and to assess the knowledge about transmission of syphilis among commercial sex workers in Mbarara municipality, Mbarara District. The study was a cross sectional descriptive study that involved the researcher, stake holders such as Leaders of commercial sex workers, Local council leaders and police. A total of 86 respondents were sampled. Data on participants’ socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge and attitude on condom use was collected using a structured questionnaire, through a face to face oral interview of every respondent, blood samples removed and analyzed using Rapid TPHA and RPR kits, results reported entered and analyzed using using Excel, tables and graphs. The results indicated that majority (52.3%) of commercial sex workers were between 20 to 30 years of age. The overall prevalence of syphilis among commercial sex workers was 10.5%. Syphilis was most prevalent (14.3 %) among those aged between under 20 years of age, followed by 11.1% among those aged 21-30 years of age. It was concluded that there is a high prevalence of Syphilis among commercial sex workers in Mbarara Municipality despite the relatively high level of awareness of the disease and the high rate of primary and secondary school level of education
Description
A research report submitted to the Faculty of Clinical Medicine and Dentistry in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of a degree of Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery of Kampala International University
Keywords
Syphilis, Commercial sex workers, Mbarara Municipality, Mbarara District