Prevalence and risk factors associated with Syphilis at the Copperbelt University Riverside campus, Kitwe Zambia

Abstract

Background: Syphilis among other sexually transmitted diseases is a major health concern among college and university students. Studies have proven that university students in Africa comprise of sexually active population and hence the need to determine the prevalence of syphilis. With little evidence based data on prevalence of syphilis in Universities prompted this study to be undertaken. Method: It was a cross-sectional study. The objectives of the study were to determine the prevalence of syphilis and its associated factors. Participants were randomly selected and data was collected using a standardized questionnaire and 12.5% out of total 384 participants were tested using Rapid Plasma Reagin screening test.Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS version20.For the associated risk factors of Syphilis, we used bivariate, cross tabulations, Chi square, and binary logistic regression analysis to calculate adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and their 95% C.l. A p-value less than 0.05was considered as significant. Results: A total of 384 students participated in the survey, of which 215 (56%) were males, 169(44%) were females and 193 (50.3%) were in their First years and 191 (49.7%) were in their Final years. Also 48(12.5%) students out of 384 participants were tested for Syphilis and the prevalence was at 16.7%. The prevalence of syphilis at The Copperbelt University was 6.5%. Binary logistic regression showed that, the number of students who had sex under influence of alcohol was independently associated with syphilis[AOR 0.346 95%C.I (0.210, 0.571)] and also the number of partners was independently associated with syphilis [AOR 0.475 95%C.I (0.250, 0.899)]Conclusion This study demonstrates the existence of syphilis among students at the Copperbelt University and there is need for introduction of comprehensive strategies such as health education programs that will help in reducing the prevalence of syphilis.