THE DECENTRALIZATION OF SYPHILIS SCREENING FOR IMPROVED CARE IN JAMAICAN PUBLIC CLINICS

Objectives. This study examined the decentralization of syphilis scree ning for improved care in Jamaican public clinics. Methods. One of eve ry five serum samples tested at the six peripheral sites was frozen an d retested at the central laboratory in Kingston. Patient files and la boratory logbooks were compared over a 3-month period. Results. Betwee n May 1993 and December 1994, 15.5% of 32913 patients with sexually tr ansmitted diseases and 8.3% of 8914 women seeking prenatal care were f ound syphilis seroreactive. Of 2001 samples evaluated, 1933 (96.6%) ha d been correctly reported at the peripheral sites. Of 129 syphilis ser oreactors detected at the peripheral sites, 88 (68%) were treated the same day and 21 (16%) more within 3 days after testing. Conclusions. S yphilis seroreactors were accurately detected and quickly treated at t he peripheral sites. If these efforts can be sustained, Jamaican syphi lis rates should decrease.