Seroprevalence of Syphilis Among Pregnant Women on Antenatal Care Service at Wereda 04 Health Center in Kolfe Keraniyo Subcity, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A Cross‐Sectional Study

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background and Aim Syphilis, including congenital syphilis, is a rising global public health problem. Congenital syphilis is of particular public health importance due to its adverse birth outcomes. Limited studies have been conducted among pregnant women in health centers that provide antenatal care for large number of women. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of syphilis among pregnant women who attended antenatal care service at Wereda 04 Health Center, Kolfe Keraniyo subcity, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods A cross‐sectional study was conducted among pregnant women on antenatal care at Wereda 04 Health Center during February to May 2024. Primary data were collected from 485 pregnant women using a pretested, structured questionnaire that was selected by systematic sampling. Syphilis was detected using serological test. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. Results Most (64.6%, 303/469) were multigravida and 77.3% (266/344) had one or two children. Slightly more than half (51.7%, 178/344) were multiparous. Nearly 35.9% (28/78) of the women had sexual intercourse with two or more persons in their lifetime. About 7.8% (36/462) had practiced extramarital sex. The seroprevalence of syphilis was found to be 0.2% (1/483). Conclusion The prevalence of syphilis was low, suggesting that strong public health measures were implemented by the health center. We recommend the sustainability of such measures for further reduction of syphilis and their adoption by other health institutions in the study area.