Interventions in maternal syphilis care globally: A scoping review

Abstract

Infectious and Congenital Syphilis rates continue to rise globally. Current recommendations for syphilis screening and treatment may be insufficient, and there is a pressing need for improved programs and services to address the increase in cases. A scoping review was conducted to examine approaches to maternal syphilis screening and treatment. Theoretical underpinnings and the key characteristics of these interventions were studied to identify gaps in the existing literature to guide future research. Developing a modified version of the socio-ecological model to guide data analysis, we included 33 academic studies spanning 31 years, covering a range of interventions, programs, and policies globally. We highlight key facets of interventions aligning with the five levels of the modified model that include: individual, interpersonal, institutional, community and policy. In this review, we provide valuable insights into the characteristics and principles of maternal syphilis screening and treatment interventions.

KEY MESSAGES

• Even with advances in care, there remain many similarities in interventions for the improved treatment and screening of maternal syphilis over the past 30 years.

• There is a need for meaningful research that engages community members in study and intervention development and considers the social determinants of health in the context of maternal syphilis care.

• Examining interventions in relation to the socio-ecological model may help guide policymakers, researchers, and clinicians in intervention development.

Author contributions

GD, JCP and VC planned the study. GD, JM, DB, JCP and VC collected, analyzed, and interpreted data. GD, JM, JCP, and VC drafted and revised the manuscript and gave final approval for the version of the manuscript to be published.

Conflicts of interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest. The funders had no role in the design of the study; in the collection, analyses, or interpretation of data; in the writing of the manuscript; or in the decision to publish the results.

Terminology

All of the literature reviewed used the term women. We are wakeful that this is a limiting term and is focused on sex rather than gender. There is a need for future research to be more inclusive of gender diversity and pregnant people.

Data availability statement

Data is contained within the article and in supplementary material provided.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by a grant through the Athabasca University Academic Research Fund. The funder had no direct involvement in the planning, research, and development of the review.