Syphilis control in pregnancy: Effectiveness and sustainability of a decentralized program.

Authors

Fonck K, Ghent University
P Claeys, Ghent University
F Bashir, Ghent University
J Bwayo, Ghent University
L Fransen, Ghent University
Marleen Temmerman, Aga Khan UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Department

Obstetrics and Gynaecology (East Africa)

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to assess the performance, effectiveness, and costs of a decentralized antenatal syphilis screening program in Nairobi, Kenya.

METHODS: Health clinic data, quality control data, and costs were analyzed.

RESULTS: The rapid plasma reagin (RPR) seroprevalence was 3.4%. In terms of screening, treatment, and partner notification, the program's performance was adequate. The program's effectiveness was problematic because of false-negative and false-positive RPR results. The cost per averted case was calculated to be US$95 to US$112.

CONCLUSIONS: The sustainability of this labor-intensive program is threatened by costs and logistic constraints. Alternative strategies, such as the mass epidemiologic treatment of pregnant women in high-prevalence areas, should be considered.

Comments

This work was published before the author joined Aga Khan University.

Publication (Name of Journal)

American journal of public health

Recommended Citation

K, F., Claeys, P., Bashir, F., Bwayo, J., Fransen, L., Temmerman, M. (2001). Syphilis control in pregnancy: Effectiveness and sustainability of a decentralized program.. American journal of public health, 91(5), 705-707.
Available at: https://ecommons.aku.edu/eastafrica_fhs_mc_obstet_gynaecol/441