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Epidemiology of Syphilis on Gila River Indian Community. Cheryl (McDermott) Shuy RN, BSN Public Health Nurse Epidemiology Gila River Health Resource Department. Gila River STD Statistics. *Information gathered by Cheryl McDermott, PHN Epidemiology.
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Epidemiology of Syphilis on Gila River Indian Community Cheryl (McDermott) Shuy RN, BSN Public Health Nurse Epidemiology Gila River Health Resource Department
Gila River STD Statistics *Information gathered by Cheryl McDermott, PHN Epidemiology
Gila River STD Statistics * (denotes complete stats unavailable) *Information gathered by Cheryl McDermott, PHN Epidemiology
Case Counts on GRIC • Increases in sexual behavior 15-29 year olds • Increase in drug and alcohol among 15-29 year olds • Limited resources for testing and treatment • Social stigmas for getting tested • Patients are afraid of what will be reported in their charts • Many patients have reported that they fear going to the Mobile Unit • Fear of someone “finding out” (CONFIDENTIALITY) • Better testing technology
Further Epidemiology of Cases • ~75% with reported drug use • 4 Congenital Syphilis cases, 2 congenital syphilis cases have occurred during the outbreak period. • Prenatal testing has resulted in the diagnosis of 26% of female cases. • Exists in every district, majority of cases from D5, D6 • Tribal member cases have been linked to non-tribal member cases living on GRIC and in other areas of the state
Concerns • No evidence that the 2007 outbreak is over • Decrease in cases doesn’t indicate the outbreak is ‘slowing down’, most likely reflect the limited screening opportunities available • Many undiagnosed cases of syphilis in the community • ‘Tip of the Iceberg’ • Congenital syphilis • Symptomatic cases not being correctly diagnosed • Limited provider awareness activities • Limited community awareness activities • Confidentiality/stigmatization barriers • Insufficient personnel to contact all the cases, clusters, and at risk individuals for screening and/or treatment to gain control of the outbreak.
Recommendations for Screening • Increased comprehensive STD screening among ages 12-55 • Comprehensive STD as part of regular exams, including HIV • Triple testing of prenatal patients (1st prenatal, 26-30 weeks, at delivery) • Continuous community based screening events • Continuous screening at jails and detention centers • Increased provider education at all GRHCC facilities. -correctly diagnosing symptomatic cases -treatment given at time of presentation of symptoms -standing orders for treatment of confirmed cases and their contacts -treat contacts and clusters prophylactically • Increased door to door screening
Additional Recommendations • Additional position to perform door to door screenings and conduct case investigations • PHN and HIV staff cross trainings in STD case investigations • Continuous confidentiality training to all personnel surrounding case investigations • Increased education in the community