Syphilis Is up: Knowledge of Syphilis Awareness Campaign Among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Denver, CO

Background: Since 2007, reported cases of early syphilis increased nearly 300% in Colorado. In 2010, 92% of cases were identified among men who have sex with men (MSM). A significant proportion of these persons are co-infected with HIV. In early 2011, the state and local health department in Denver launched a syphilis awareness campaign.

Objectives: To assess awareness of a local syphilis campaign and examine syphilis testing behaviors by HIV infection status among MSM participating in the National HIV Behavioral Surveillance (NHBS) project in Denver, CO.

Methods: Between August and November 2011, participants were recruited using venue-based time-space sampling. Men were eligible if they were at least 18 years of age and reported sexual activity with a male partner in the preceding 12 months. Participants were offered a rapid HIV test.

Results: Of the 527 NHBS participants surveyed, 248 (47%) had seen materials for the ‘syphilis is up’ campaign within the past 6 months. Participants who were HIV infected were significantly more likely to report being aware of the syphilis campaign (OR=3.0, 95% CI: 1.7, 5.2). A total of 208 (41%) participants had been tested for syphilis in the preceding 12 months. Of those tested for syphilis, 40 (19%) were aware of their HIV infection, 5 (2%) were unaware of their HIV infection, and 163 (78%) tested negative. Of the 14 participants who reported being told they had syphilis in the preceding 12 months, 6 (43%) were also HIV infected (with 1 unaware of HIV infection).

Conclusions: The syphilis awareness campaign in Denver appears to be reaching those at greatest risk for infection.

Implications for Programs, Policy, and Research: Using existing research projects to gather information to evaluate public health interventions enhances the value of the research to current public health practice and is an effective and efficient use of limited resources.