https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0304-6130
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Abstract
Background/Objectives
Neurosyphilis is a disease caused by Treponema pallidum when it invades the central nervous system. Asymptomatic neurosyphilis (ANS) is one of the most common types of neurosyphilis, however it is often misdiagnosed. This study aimed to explore the impact of ANS on patient’s quality of life and social stigma.
Methods
A total of 159 ANS patients were diagnosed by their serology and cerebrospinal fluid. These patients’ stigma and quality of life were assessed separately through the Social Impact Scale (SIS) and the Easy Response Questionnaire.
Results
The average age was 36.25±8.36 years old, and 114 patients were males (71.69%). The serum syphilis test of 159 selected patients was positive, and the indicators of nucleus cells, protein quantification, and syphilis antibodies in the cerebrospinal fluid met the criteria for ANS. The total stigma score was (40.23 ±10.12), with the scores of the different entries being clearly differentiated, with the highest being the 15th entry (I feel I need to keep my illness a secret), with an average score of 3.15/4.
Conclusion
Patients with asymptomatic neurosyphilis may feel social stigma and are more negative when facing their disease. Health-care workers should be aware of the particular aspects of their condition and pay special attention to the need for patient privacy.
Institutional Board Review
The study was approved by the Hangzhou Seventh People Hospital, institutional ethical and review board.
Data Sharing Statement
The statistical analyzed data are available in the tables and the detail data will be available on request from corresponding author.
Acknowledgment
The patients in this manuscript have given informed written consent to the publication of their details.
Author Contributions
All authors made a significant contribution to the work reported, whether that is in the conception, study design, execution, acquisition of data, analysis and interpretation, or in all these areas; took part in drafting, revising or critically reviewing the article; gave final approval of the version to be published; have agreed on the journal to which the article has been submitted; and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.
Disclosure
All authors declare that the research was conducted without any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.