Epidemiological analysis of syphilis cases in Western North Region, 2022–2024

Abstract

Introduction: Syphilis remains a public health challenge in Ghana, but its true burden in the Western North Region is not well documented. Globally, the positivity rate of active syphilis is about 0.6% and 1.6–3.0% among antenatal clinic attendees in Ghana. This study analyzed syphilis testing data from the Western North Region to determine positivity rates, trends, high-risk groups, and geographic distribution. Methods: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study using syphilis testing records from six hospitals in Ghana’s Western North Region. Data on age, sex, facility, testing date and test results were extracted from the Lightwave Health Information Management System. Data was cleaned for duplicates and missing values. We analyzed the data using Excel, Epi Info and QGIS. We calculated descriptive statistics, including frequencies, proportions, and positivity rates. The results were presented in tables , graphs and choropleth map. Results: From 2022 to 2024, 9405 people were tested for syphilis in the region. Positivity rate decreased from 10.3% (309/3,000) in 2022 to 7.9% (306/3,897) in 2023, then increased to 10.6% (266/2508). Positivity was 17.2% in males (436/2,531) and 6.5% in females (445/6,874). Among males, those ≥50 years contributed the most positives (33.7%; 147/436), while among females, the 30–39 age group accounted for 31.5% (140/445). Juaboso Hospital recorded the highest positivity rate of 18.5% (97/524). Conclusion: Syphilis remains a significant public health concern in the Western North Region. Positivity rates declined from 2022 to 2023 but rose again in 2024 . Positivity rate was higher in males than females. Cases were predominantly in older men and women of reproductive age. Juaboso District Hospital had the highest positivity rate of the disease. Routine analysis and dissemination of syphilis data are recommended to guide intervention.