Article Text
Abstract
Objectives The present study investigates the varied spatial distribution of syphilis cases in Shenzhen, China, and explores the individual-, neighbourhood- and district-level factors affecting the distribution.
Methods This study uses spatial analysis and multi-level generalised estimating equations to explore the spatial distribution of reported syphilis cases among individuals in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China. The spatial distribution of primary/secondary and latent cases was investigated using the Moran's I-statistic. Primary/secondary syphilis cases were compared with all syphilis cases using a three-level model with individual (n=6496), neighbourhood (n=55) and district (n=6) levels.
Results A total of 6496 syphilis cases were reported in 2009 with 35.8% primary and secondary syphilis cases. Both primary/secondary syphilis cases (Moran's I value=0.33, p<0.01) and latent syphilis cases (Moran's I value=0.19, p<0.01) showed significant spatial clustering at the neighbourhood level. Adjusting for the number of reporting hospitals, the best model found that the following characteristics were associated with primary/secondary syphilis infection: individuals who are younger in age (p=0.003), male (p<0.001), migrant labourers (p=0.047) and those who live in districts with a higher gross domestic product (p<0.001).
Conclusions There is substantial clustering of primary and secondary syphilis cases at the neighbourhood level in Shenzhen, suggesting the need for greater STD health service provision in these clustered neighbourhoods. Spatially targeted syphilis control measures may be useful to optimise testing, treatment and partner services.
- Syphilis
- China
- neighbourhood
- spatial
- HIV
- HPV
- sexual behaviour
- syphilis
- sexual health
- AIDS
- social/policy perspectives
- social
- sociology
- STD
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Footnotes
Funding This work was supported by grants from the Shenzhen Municipal Health Bureau for STI Prevention and Control Program, the Mega Project of China National Science Research for the 11th 5-year Plan (2008ZX10001-005) and an NIH Fogarty Career Development Award (US NIH 1K01TW008200-01A1).
Competing interests None.
Provenance and peer review Not commissioned; externally peer reviewed.