SEROPREVALENCE AND ASSESSMENT OF RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH SYPHILIS AMONG INTRA - CITY TRANSPORTERS IN BENIN METROPOLIS
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Abstract
Syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection caused by Treponema pallidum, remains a significant
public health concern, particularly among mobile occupational groups.This study assessed the
seroprevalence and risk factors associated with syphilis among intra-city transporters in Benin
Metropolis. A cross-sectional descriptive design was adopted, enrolling 150 participants through
convenience sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. About 4ml
of venous blood samples were collected from each participant using sterile aseptic techniques into
plain containers and centrifuged at 3,000 rpm for 5 minutes to obtain serum.The serum obtained
were screened serologically for syphilis antibodies. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27.
An overall Prevalence of 32.0% syphilis was obtained.Age, education, marital status and location
of transporters had no significant association with prevalence of syphilis
(P=0.344),(P=0.884),(P=0.943)and(P=0.217).Behavioral factors such as non condom use,
multiple sexual Partners and self reported symptoms (such as genital sore, painful urination) were
strongest predictors of Syphilis infection in the study population (P=0.000 respectively). More
than half (53.3%) of respondents had never heard of syphilis, and only a few had received health
education.Knowledge was not significantly associated with Syphilis infection having Prevalence
greater than 0.05.The high rate of asymptomatic cases further underscores the hidden burden of
syphilis in this group. The study concludes that intra-city transporters in Benin metropolis are a
high-risk population for syphilis transmission, driven primarily by behavioural and occupational
factors. It recommends targeted health education campaigns, routine and affordable screening at
motor parks, and collaborative interventions between government and transport unions to promote
safer sexual practices.
public health concern, particularly among mobile occupational groups.This study assessed the
seroprevalence and risk factors associated with syphilis among intra-city transporters in Benin
Metropolis. A cross-sectional descriptive design was adopted, enrolling 150 participants through
convenience sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. About 4ml
of venous blood samples were collected from each participant using sterile aseptic techniques into
plain containers and centrifuged at 3,000 rpm for 5 minutes to obtain serum.The serum obtained
were screened serologically for syphilis antibodies. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27.
An overall Prevalence of 32.0% syphilis was obtained.Age, education, marital status and location
of transporters had no significant association with prevalence of syphilis
(P=0.344),(P=0.884),(P=0.943)and(P=0.217).Behavioral factors such as non condom use,
multiple sexual Partners and self reported symptoms (such as genital sore, painful urination) were
strongest predictors of Syphilis infection in the study population (P=0.000 respectively). More
than half (53.3%) of respondents had never heard of syphilis, and only a few had received health
education.Knowledge was not significantly associated with Syphilis infection having Prevalence
greater than 0.05.The high rate of asymptomatic cases further underscores the hidden burden of
syphilis in this group. The study concludes that intra-city transporters in Benin metropolis are a
high-risk population for syphilis transmission, driven primarily by behavioural and occupational
factors. It recommends targeted health education campaigns, routine and affordable screening at
motor parks, and collaborative interventions between government and transport unions to promote
safer sexual practices.
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