Syphilis control during pregnancy: Effectiveness and sustainability of a decentralized program

Citation
K. Fonck et al., Syphilis control during pregnancy: Effectiveness and sustainability of a decentralized program, AM J PUB HE, 91(5), 2001, pp. 705-707
Citations number
33
Categorie Soggetti
Public Health & Health Care Science","Envirnomentale Medicine & Public Health","Medical Research General Topics
Journal title
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH
ISSN journal
00900036 → ACNP
Volume
91
Issue
5
Year of publication
2001
Pages
705 - 707
Database
ISI
SICI code
0090-0036(200105)91:5<705:SCDPEA>2.0.ZU;2-2
Abstract
Objectives. This study sought to assess the performance, effectiveness, and costs of a decentralized antenatal syphilis screening prograrn 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 calc ulated to be US $95 to US $112. Conclusions. The sustainability of this labor-intensive program is threaten ed by costs and logistic constraints. Alternative strategies, such as the m ass epidemiologic treatment of pregnant women iii high-prevalence areas, sh ould be considered.