Lessons from management of syphilis in Nunavut, Canada, 2012-2020.
Arctic region
Canada
Community Health Representative
epidemiology
public health
syphilis
Journal
Canada communicable disease report = Releve des maladies transmissibles au Canada
ISSN: 1188-4169
Titre abrégé: Can Commun Dis Rep
Pays: Canada
ID NLM: 9303729
Informations de publication
Date de publication:
24 Feb 2022
24 Feb 2022
Historique:
entrez:
28
3
2022
pubmed:
29
3
2022
medline:
29
3
2022
Statut:
epublish
Résumé
Nunavut, part of Inuit Nunangat, is a geographically vast territory in northern Canada, with a population of over 38,000 people. Most (85%) of the population identify as Inuit. Nunavut has experienced a significant rise in heterosexual infectious syphilis cases since 2012. Management of communicable diseases, including syphilis, is challenging due to high staff turnover and long delays in specimen transport times. Social determinants of health are also an important contributor. The aim of this study is to describe the epidemiology and program elements for infectious syphilis from 2012-2020 and to highlight beneficial interventions. Syphilis is a notifiable disease in Nunavut with all cases reported to the Territorial Department of Health. Cases were staged by a medical consultant. Data were analyzed and released in public reports as part of the public health program. From 2012 to 2020, 655 infectious syphilis cases were reported, with 53% of reported cases among females. Infection rates were highest in 20 to 39-year-olds. There was significant variability in reported cases over this time period by geographic region, with the majority of infectious cases reported from the Kivalliq region. Despite 48 reported cases in pregnancy, no confirmed congenital syphilis cases were identified. Program staff identified strengths of the response as well as ongoing needs, such as plain language resources available in multiple languages. Despite the logistical challenges with syphilis management in the territory, the overall outcomes have been positive, with no confirmed congenital cases identified. We attribute this to a coordinated effort by multiple partners including key actions by public health nurses and community health representatives.
Sections du résumé
Background
UNASSIGNED
Nunavut, part of Inuit Nunangat, is a geographically vast territory in northern Canada, with a population of over 38,000 people. Most (85%) of the population identify as Inuit. Nunavut has experienced a significant rise in heterosexual infectious syphilis cases since 2012. Management of communicable diseases, including syphilis, is challenging due to high staff turnover and long delays in specimen transport times. Social determinants of health are also an important contributor. The aim of this study is to describe the epidemiology and program elements for infectious syphilis from 2012-2020 and to highlight beneficial interventions.
Methods
UNASSIGNED
Syphilis is a notifiable disease in Nunavut with all cases reported to the Territorial Department of Health. Cases were staged by a medical consultant. Data were analyzed and released in public reports as part of the public health program.
Results
UNASSIGNED
From 2012 to 2020, 655 infectious syphilis cases were reported, with 53% of reported cases among females. Infection rates were highest in 20 to 39-year-olds. There was significant variability in reported cases over this time period by geographic region, with the majority of infectious cases reported from the Kivalliq region. Despite 48 reported cases in pregnancy, no confirmed congenital syphilis cases were identified. Program staff identified strengths of the response as well as ongoing needs, such as plain language resources available in multiple languages.
Conclusion
UNASSIGNED
Despite the logistical challenges with syphilis management in the territory, the overall outcomes have been positive, with no confirmed congenital cases identified. We attribute this to a coordinated effort by multiple partners including key actions by public health nurses and community health representatives.
Identifiants
pubmed: 35342373
doi: 10.14745/ccdr.v48i23a08
pii: 482308
pmc: PMC8889926
doi:
Types de publication
Journal Article
Langues
eng
Pagination
102-110Déclaration de conflit d'intérêts
Competing interests: None.
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