Multilevel and Spatial Analysis of Syphilis in Shenzhen, China, to Inform Spatially Targeted Control Measures

Citation

Wu, Xiaobing; Tucker, Joseph D.; Hong, Fuchang; Messina, Jane P.; Lan, Lina; Hu, Yufeng; Feng, Tiejian; Emch, Michael E.; Liu, Xiaoli; & Zhang, Chunlai, et al. (2012). Multilevel and Spatial Analysis of Syphilis in Shenzhen, China, to Inform Spatially Targeted Control Measures. Sexually Transmitted Infections, 88(5), 325-329. PMCID: PMC3642620

Abstract

Objectives: The present study investigates the varied spatial distribution of syphilis cases in Shenzhen, China, and explores the individual-, neighbourhood- and district-level factors affecting the distribution.
Methods: This study uses spatial analysis and multi-level generalised estimating equations to explore the spatial distribution of reported syphilis cases among individuals in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China. The spatial distribution of primary/secondary and latent cases was investigated using the Moran's I-statistic. Primary/secondary syphilis cases were compared with all syphilis cases using a three-level model with individual (n=6496), neighbourhood (n=55) and district (n=6) levels.
Results: A total of 6496 syphilis cases were reported in 2009 with 35.8% primary and secondary syphilis cases. Both primary/secondary syphilis cases (Moran's I value=0.33, p<0.01) and latent syphilis cases (Moran's I value=0.19, p<0.01) showed significant spatial clustering at the neighbourhood level. Adjusting for the number of reporting hospitals, the best model found that the following characteristics were associated with primary/secondary syphilis infection: individuals who are younger in age (p=0.003), male (p<0.001), migrant labourers (p=0.047) and those who live in districts with a higher gross domestic product (p<0.001).
Conclusions: There is substantial clustering of primary and secondary syphilis cases at the neighbourhood level in Shenzhen, suggesting the need for greater STD health service provision in these clustered neighbourhoods. Spatially targeted syphilis control measures may be useful to optimise testing, treatment and partner services.

URL

http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/sextrans-2011-050397

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year Published

2012

Journal Title

Sexually Transmitted Infections

Author(s)

Wu, Xiaobing
Tucker, Joseph D.
Hong, Fuchang
Messina, Jane P.
Lan, Lina
Hu, Yufeng
Feng, Tiejian
Emch, Michael E.
Liu, Xiaoli
Zhang, Chunlai
Wen, Lizhang

PMCID

PMC3642620

ORCiD

Emch - 0000-0003-2642-965X