Risk factors for syphilis among incarcerated women in Rhode Island

Syphilis remains a significant problem in the United States. The prison env ironment is an ideal location to identify and treat syphilis. We undertook this study to describe the correlates and risk factors for syphilis among i ncarcerated women in Rhode Island. The study design was a review of all cas es of syphilis identified through routine screening in the state prison and a case control study. Between 1992 and 1998, among 6,249 incarcerated wome n, 86 were found to have syphilis; of these, 29 were primary and secondary cases representing 49% of infectious cases of syphilis in women in the stat e. The prison environment offers a unique opportunity for the diagnosis and treatment of syphilis.