An investigation of antenatal screening and management of syphilis in two districts in the North West Province

Syphilis is a common sexually transmitted disease in South Africa and infection acquired during pregnancy is associated with an increased rate of miscarriage, stillbirth, preterm labour, intra uterine growth restriction (IUGR), neonatal death and congenital syphilis in the newborn. This study was undertaken in the Potchefstroom and Wolmaranstad Districts of the North West Province and was aimed at contributing to reducing perinatal mortality and morbidity within these districts. The objectives of this study were: + To determine the prevalence of syphilis amongst women attending antenatal and/or delivery care in the two selected districts. + To evaluate the effectiveness of antenatal screening and management of syphilis + To determine the perception of consumers (antenatal attendees) concerning screening for syphilis at antenatal clinics. + To determine the perception and understanding of health workers concerning the provision of antenatal syphilis screening and treatment. + To analyse any inadequacies revealed in the antenatal screening and management of syphilis in the two districts + To make recommendations for guidelines arising from the results of the research in order to improve syphilis screening in service delivery.

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Department of Paediatrics and Child Health

Year dc:date.issued

2005

Author dc:creator

• Chueu, Mmaphoko Patricia

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Jacobs, Marian

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11427/8644

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/8644