Background Social engagement used as a tool for providing access to information and testing for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) during events can be a promising strategy for reaching different population groups in public settings. The use of Rapid Tests (RT) for syphilis offers an unique opportunity to facilitate care in response to the syphilis epidemic. The objective of this study is to evaluate the epidemiological profile of people with positive RT for syphilis observed during RT events in Porto Alegre City, Brazil.

Methods Cross-sectional study using a time series approach in all RTs carried out in Mobile unit RT events in 2018, through data mining, with WEKA software.

Results The events were held in public spaces, such as squares and parks, included roundtable discussions, presentations, condom distribution, RTs for STIs, individual medical care with possibility of prescription and application of medication. Among 4156 RTs conducted, 626(15%) were positive for syphilis. The characteristics of the population tested were: 2003(48%) women, 374(9%) homo/bisexual, 710(17%) under 25 years and 1001(24%) elderly. In the subgroup with positive syphilis RTs, 250(39.9%) were women, 29(4.9%) homo/bisexual, 44(7%) under 25 years, 43(6.8%) positive RT for HIV and 43(6.8%) for Hepatitis C. Although the RTs for syphilis did not confirm diagnosis, the framework in place to deal with positive tests provides same-day medical consultation to evaluate the need for immediate treatment at the event site and referral for follow-up or continued treatment at the Primary Healthcare level.

Conclusion Social interaction with the public during RT using a mobile healthcare units in places intended for leisure sought to increase awareness and access to people with undiagnosed STIs. Ensuring that specific subgroups of the general population have access to testing and medical consultation were shown to be important points when applying point of care tests. These aspects of community testing should be evaluated in future research.

Disclosure No significant relationships.