Analysis of syphilis epidemic trend in Yangquan City from 1995 to 2005

Objective This analysis was conducted to investigate the epidemiological features of syphilis in Yangquan City from 1995 to 2005 for providing a scientific basis for the development of effective preventive measures. Methods Statistical analysis was done of the data on STD from 1995 to 2005. Results From1995 to 2005, 1280 cases of syphilis were reported in Yangquan City, accounting for 11.01% of the total of the reported sexually transmitted diseases. A clear upward trend was seen in the incidence of syphilis, rising from 0.33/lakh in 1995 to 18.04/lakh in 2005. Cases were mainly concentrated in people at the age of 20-39, accounting for 71.64% and 53.36% in male, with the highest incidence seen among workers, accounting for 27.27%. Those under secondary education level accounted for 85.39%. Stage I and stage II syphilis accounted for 85.47%, with latent syphilis accounting for 11.56% and congenital syphilis for 1.17%. The majority of cases were sexually transmitted. Conclusion Syphilis shows rapid growth trend in Yangquan City, and has entered a phase of high prevalence. It is required to propagandize the knowledge of the prevention and treatment of the disease among young people, especially coal miners and job seekers and the unemployed, intervene the behaviors of high-risk groups and take positive and effective measures for the prevention and control of the epidemic to restrict its spread in Yangquan City.