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Poster Presentations
PS02 – POSTER VIEWING SESSION – TUESDAY
Tuesday, July 16, 2019 5:45 PM – 7:00 PM
P500 Barriers and opportunities for partner services related to syphilis among men who have sex with men in anchorage, alaska
Free
  1. Laura Quilter1,
  2. Melissa Boyette2,
  3. Julia Brennan3,
  4. Jessica Harvill2,
  5. Susan Jones2,
  6. Eloisa Llata1,
  7. Joe Mclaughlin2,
  8. Bozena Morawski3,
  9. Alison Ridpath1,
  10. Tracy Smith2,
  11. Amanda Tiffany3,
  12. Elizabeth Torrone1,
  13. Kyle Bernstein4
  1. 1Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of STD Prevention, Atlanta, USA
  2. 2Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, Division of Public Health, Anchorage, USA
  3. 3Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Scientific Education and Professional Development, Epidemiology Workforce Branch, Atlanta, USA
  4. 4Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, USA

Abstract

Background Early syphilis is highly infectious and can lead to life-threatening complications if left untreated. During 2017–2018, early syphilis cases in Alaska tripled from 24 to 76, with most 2018 cases occurring among Anchorage men who have sex with men (MSM). Partner services can mitigate transmission. We conducted an investigation to identify syphilis partner services barriers and opportunities among MSM in Anchorage.

Methods During October 19–November 13, 2018, we administered an anonymous survey to men and transgender women aged ≥18 years residing in Alaska who reported sex with a man during the previous 6 months. The self-administered survey, available online and as paper, asked about knowledge, risk behaviors, medical care-seeking practices, and attitudes regarding syphilis. A convenience sample was recruited from digital platforms (e.g., Facebook®) and bars, clinics, and community-based organization events.

Results Of 119 survey respondents, 90 (76%) lived in the Anchorage/Mat-Su region. Of these, 10.0% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.3–17.9) reported a syphilis diagnosis during the previous 12 months and having a median of 3 (interquartile range: 1–6) sex partners during the previous 6 months. High-risk behaviors commonly associated with syphilis were reported, including condomless anal sex (36.7%; 95% CI: 27.4–47.0) during the previous month, ≥1 episode of group sex (26.7%; 95% CI: 18.6–36.6) during the previous 6 months, and meeting sex partners online or on a geospatial mobile app (66.7%; 95% CI: 56.4–75.5) during the previous 6 months. Additionally, 44.4% (95% CI: 34.6–54.7) reported a sex partner living outside Anchorage and 31.1% (95% CI: 22.5–41.3) outside Alaska.

Conclusion Large numbers of sex partners outside Alaska presents barriers to partner services among Anchorage MSM with syphilis. Opportunities include using innovative strategies (e.g., technology-based partner services and out-of-jurisdiction partnerships) to reach populations at risk for syphilis.

Disclosure No significant relationships.

  • gay bisexual and other men who have sex with men
  • networks and partner notification
  • syphilis

https://doi.org/10.1136/sextrans-2019-sti.581

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