Seroprevalence of Syphilis and Associated Factors Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care at Hawassa Zuria Woreda Public Health Facilities, Sidama, Ethiopia, 2024

Akililu Aliye; Solomon Tesfaye Doelaso; Amanuel Samuel

doi:doi:10.11648/j.ejpm.20251304.11

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Seroprevalence of Syphilis and Associated Factors Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care at Hawassa Zuria Woreda Public Health Facilities, Sidama, Ethiopia, 2024

Akililu Aliye

, Solomon Tesfaye Doelaso^*

, Amanuel Samuel

Published in European Journal of Preventive Medicine (Volume 13, Issue 4)

Received: 10 August 2025 Accepted: 19 August 2025 Published: 8 September 2025

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Abstract

Introduction: Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum, and it continues to be a major public health problem worldwide. It can spread through various means, such as unprotected sex, mother to fetus, and blood transfusion. This study aimed to assess the seroprevalence of syphilis and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care at public health facilities in Hawassa zuria woreda, Sidama, Ethiopia. Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study design was conducted in Hawassa Zuria public health facilities from November 1-30, 2024. A total of 482 study participants were selected using systematic sampling techniques. Data were collected through structured interviews using a pretested questionnaire and reviewing records. Epi-data version 4.4 was used to code and enter the data, and SPSS version 26 was used for analysis. Bivariable logistic regression was employed to identify candidate variables for multivariable logistic regression with a significance level of ≤ 0.25. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to investigate factors associated with syphilis infection, p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Result: The seroprevalence of syphilis among pregnant women attending ANC clinics was 3.8% (95% CI: 3.61-3.99). Having multiple sexual partners (AOR = 3.68; 95% CI: 1.22 - 11.11), alcohol use (AOR =7.34; 95% CI: 2.31 - 23.36), and HIV positive women (AOR =10.22; 95% CI: 2.03 - 51.53) were significantly associated with syphilis infection. Conclusion and recommendation: Seroprevalence of syphilis was high. Having multiple sexual partners, HIV-positive women, and alcohol drinking were factors significantly associated with syphilis. Therefore, substantial efforts have to be made to provide regular health education for pregnant women at the antenatal clinic on the avoidance of risky behaviors, raise awareness on the transmission and prevention mechanisms of syphilis, promote safe sexual practices, and strengthen partner testing and treatment.

Published in	European Journal of Preventive Medicine (Volume 13, Issue 4)
DOI	10.11648/j.ejpm.20251304.11
Page(s)	70-78
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Syphilis, Associated Factors, Pregnant Women, Antenatal Care

References

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APA Style

Aliye, A., Doelaso, S. T., Samuel, A. (2025). Seroprevalence of Syphilis and Associated Factors Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care at Hawassa Zuria Woreda Public Health Facilities, Sidama, Ethiopia, 2024. European Journal of Preventive Medicine, 13(4), 70-78. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ejpm.20251304.11

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ACS Style

Aliye, A.; Doelaso, S. T.; Samuel, A. Seroprevalence of Syphilis and Associated Factors Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care at Hawassa Zuria Woreda Public Health Facilities, Sidama, Ethiopia, 2024. Eur. J. Prev. Med. 2025, 13(4), 70-78. doi: 10.11648/j.ejpm.20251304.11

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AMA Style

Aliye A, Doelaso ST, Samuel A. Seroprevalence of Syphilis and Associated Factors Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care at Hawassa Zuria Woreda Public Health Facilities, Sidama, Ethiopia, 2024. Eur J Prev Med. 2025;13(4):70-78. doi: 10.11648/j.ejpm.20251304.11

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@article{10.11648/j.ejpm.20251304.11,
  author = {Akililu Aliye and Solomon Tesfaye Doelaso and Amanuel Samuel},
  title = {Seroprevalence of Syphilis and Associated Factors Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care at Hawassa Zuria Woreda Public Health Facilities, Sidama, Ethiopia, 2024
},
  journal = {European Journal of Preventive Medicine},
  volume = {13},
  number = {4},
  pages = {70-78},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ejpm.20251304.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ejpm.20251304.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ejpm.20251304.11},
  abstract = {Introduction: Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum, and it continues to be a major public health problem worldwide. It can spread through various means, such as unprotected sex, mother to fetus, and blood transfusion. This study aimed to assess the seroprevalence of syphilis and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care at public health facilities in Hawassa zuria woreda, Sidama, Ethiopia. Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study design was conducted in Hawassa Zuria public health facilities from November 1-30, 2024. A total of 482 study participants were selected using systematic sampling techniques. Data were collected through structured interviews using a pretested questionnaire and reviewing records. Epi-data version 4.4 was used to code and enter the data, and SPSS version 26 was used for analysis. Bivariable logistic regression was employed to identify candidate variables for multivariable logistic regression with a significance level of ≤ 0.25. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to investigate factors associated with syphilis infection, p-value of Result: The seroprevalence of syphilis among pregnant women attending ANC clinics was 3.8% (95% CI: 3.61-3.99). Having multiple sexual partners (AOR = 3.68; 95% CI: 1.22 - 11.11), alcohol use (AOR =7.34; 95% CI: 2.31 - 23.36), and HIV positive women (AOR =10.22; 95% CI: 2.03 - 51.53) were significantly associated with syphilis infection. Conclusion and recommendation: Seroprevalence of syphilis was high. Having multiple sexual partners, HIV-positive women, and alcohol drinking were factors significantly associated with syphilis. Therefore, substantial efforts have to be made to provide regular health education for pregnant women at the antenatal clinic on the avoidance of risky behaviors, raise awareness on the transmission and prevention mechanisms of syphilis, promote safe sexual practices, and strengthen partner testing and treatment.
},
 year = {2025}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Seroprevalence of Syphilis and Associated Factors Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care at Hawassa Zuria Woreda Public Health Facilities, Sidama, Ethiopia, 2024

AU  - Akililu Aliye
AU  - Solomon Tesfaye Doelaso
AU  - Amanuel Samuel
Y1  - 2025/09/08
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ejpm.20251304.11
DO  - 10.11648/j.ejpm.20251304.11
T2  - European Journal of Preventive Medicine
JF  - European Journal of Preventive Medicine
JO  - European Journal of Preventive Medicine
SP  - 70
EP  - 78
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2330-8230
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ejpm.20251304.11
AB  - Introduction: Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum, and it continues to be a major public health problem worldwide. It can spread through various means, such as unprotected sex, mother to fetus, and blood transfusion. This study aimed to assess the seroprevalence of syphilis and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care at public health facilities in Hawassa zuria woreda, Sidama, Ethiopia. Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study design was conducted in Hawassa Zuria public health facilities from November 1-30, 2024. A total of 482 study participants were selected using systematic sampling techniques. Data were collected through structured interviews using a pretested questionnaire and reviewing records. Epi-data version 4.4 was used to code and enter the data, and SPSS version 26 was used for analysis. Bivariable logistic regression was employed to identify candidate variables for multivariable logistic regression with a significance level of ≤ 0.25. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to investigate factors associated with syphilis infection, p-value of Result: The seroprevalence of syphilis among pregnant women attending ANC clinics was 3.8% (95% CI: 3.61-3.99). Having multiple sexual partners (AOR = 3.68; 95% CI: 1.22 - 11.11), alcohol use (AOR =7.34; 95% CI: 2.31 - 23.36), and HIV positive women (AOR =10.22; 95% CI: 2.03 - 51.53) were significantly associated with syphilis infection. Conclusion and recommendation: Seroprevalence of syphilis was high. Having multiple sexual partners, HIV-positive women, and alcohol drinking were factors significantly associated with syphilis. Therefore, substantial efforts have to be made to provide regular health education for pregnant women at the antenatal clinic on the avoidance of risky behaviors, raise awareness on the transmission and prevention mechanisms of syphilis, promote safe sexual practices, and strengthen partner testing and treatment.

VL  - 13
IS  - 4
ER  -

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Author Information

Akililu Aliye

School of Public Health, Pharma College, Hawassa, Ethiopia

http://orcid.org/0009-0004-9682-0253
Solomon Tesfaye Doelaso

Sidama Regional State Health Bureau, Hawassa, Ethiopia

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0009-0006-9485-1333
Amanuel Samuel

Yirgalem Hospital Medical College, Sidama, Ethiopia

http://orcid.org/0009-0001-8349-9753

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APA Style

Aliye, A., Doelaso, S. T., Samuel, A. (2025). Seroprevalence of Syphilis and Associated Factors Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care at Hawassa Zuria Woreda Public Health Facilities, Sidama, Ethiopia, 2024. European Journal of Preventive Medicine, 13(4), 70-78. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ejpm.20251304.11

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ACS Style

Aliye, A.; Doelaso, S. T.; Samuel, A. Seroprevalence of Syphilis and Associated Factors Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care at Hawassa Zuria Woreda Public Health Facilities, Sidama, Ethiopia, 2024. Eur. J. Prev. Med. 2025, 13(4), 70-78. doi: 10.11648/j.ejpm.20251304.11

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AMA Style

Aliye A, Doelaso ST, Samuel A. Seroprevalence of Syphilis and Associated Factors Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care at Hawassa Zuria Woreda Public Health Facilities, Sidama, Ethiopia, 2024. Eur J Prev Med. 2025;13(4):70-78. doi: 10.11648/j.ejpm.20251304.11

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.ejpm.20251304.11,
  author = {Akililu Aliye and Solomon Tesfaye Doelaso and Amanuel Samuel},
  title = {Seroprevalence of Syphilis and Associated Factors Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care at Hawassa Zuria Woreda Public Health Facilities, Sidama, Ethiopia, 2024
},
  journal = {European Journal of Preventive Medicine},
  volume = {13},
  number = {4},
  pages = {70-78},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ejpm.20251304.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ejpm.20251304.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ejpm.20251304.11},
  abstract = {Introduction: Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum, and it continues to be a major public health problem worldwide. It can spread through various means, such as unprotected sex, mother to fetus, and blood transfusion. This study aimed to assess the seroprevalence of syphilis and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care at public health facilities in Hawassa zuria woreda, Sidama, Ethiopia. Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study design was conducted in Hawassa Zuria public health facilities from November 1-30, 2024. A total of 482 study participants were selected using systematic sampling techniques. Data were collected through structured interviews using a pretested questionnaire and reviewing records. Epi-data version 4.4 was used to code and enter the data, and SPSS version 26 was used for analysis. Bivariable logistic regression was employed to identify candidate variables for multivariable logistic regression with a significance level of ≤ 0.25. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to investigate factors associated with syphilis infection, p-value of Result: The seroprevalence of syphilis among pregnant women attending ANC clinics was 3.8% (95% CI: 3.61-3.99). Having multiple sexual partners (AOR = 3.68; 95% CI: 1.22 - 11.11), alcohol use (AOR =7.34; 95% CI: 2.31 - 23.36), and HIV positive women (AOR =10.22; 95% CI: 2.03 - 51.53) were significantly associated with syphilis infection. Conclusion and recommendation: Seroprevalence of syphilis was high. Having multiple sexual partners, HIV-positive women, and alcohol drinking were factors significantly associated with syphilis. Therefore, substantial efforts have to be made to provide regular health education for pregnant women at the antenatal clinic on the avoidance of risky behaviors, raise awareness on the transmission and prevention mechanisms of syphilis, promote safe sexual practices, and strengthen partner testing and treatment.
},
 year = {2025}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Seroprevalence of Syphilis and Associated Factors Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care at Hawassa Zuria Woreda Public Health Facilities, Sidama, Ethiopia, 2024

AU  - Akililu Aliye
AU  - Solomon Tesfaye Doelaso
AU  - Amanuel Samuel
Y1  - 2025/09/08
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ejpm.20251304.11
DO  - 10.11648/j.ejpm.20251304.11
T2  - European Journal of Preventive Medicine
JF  - European Journal of Preventive Medicine
JO  - European Journal of Preventive Medicine
SP  - 70
EP  - 78
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2330-8230
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ejpm.20251304.11
AB  - Introduction: Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum, and it continues to be a major public health problem worldwide. It can spread through various means, such as unprotected sex, mother to fetus, and blood transfusion. This study aimed to assess the seroprevalence of syphilis and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care at public health facilities in Hawassa zuria woreda, Sidama, Ethiopia. Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study design was conducted in Hawassa Zuria public health facilities from November 1-30, 2024. A total of 482 study participants were selected using systematic sampling techniques. Data were collected through structured interviews using a pretested questionnaire and reviewing records. Epi-data version 4.4 was used to code and enter the data, and SPSS version 26 was used for analysis. Bivariable logistic regression was employed to identify candidate variables for multivariable logistic regression with a significance level of ≤ 0.25. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to investigate factors associated with syphilis infection, p-value of Result: The seroprevalence of syphilis among pregnant women attending ANC clinics was 3.8% (95% CI: 3.61-3.99). Having multiple sexual partners (AOR = 3.68; 95% CI: 1.22 - 11.11), alcohol use (AOR =7.34; 95% CI: 2.31 - 23.36), and HIV positive women (AOR =10.22; 95% CI: 2.03 - 51.53) were significantly associated with syphilis infection. Conclusion and recommendation: Seroprevalence of syphilis was high. Having multiple sexual partners, HIV-positive women, and alcohol drinking were factors significantly associated with syphilis. Therefore, substantial efforts have to be made to provide regular health education for pregnant women at the antenatal clinic on the avoidance of risky behaviors, raise awareness on the transmission and prevention mechanisms of syphilis, promote safe sexual practices, and strengthen partner testing and treatment.

VL  - 13
IS  - 4
ER  -

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