Association between syphilis seroprevalence and age among blood donors in Southern China: an observational study from 2014 to 2017

Wu, Xiaobing; Guan, Yang; Ye, Jianbin; Fu, Hanlin; Zhang, Chunlai; Lan, Lina; Wu, Fengxin; Tang, Fen; Wang, Feng; Cai, Yumao; Yu, Weiye; Feng, Tiejian

Patients aged ≥45 years comprised a large proportion of low titres at 1∶1 and 1∶2, and the proportion of high titres was only 16.3%, which was much smaller than that among patients aged <25 years (51.3%) and 25-34 years (34.1%). The proportion of high-titre Evidence suggests that the most significant factor affecting testing patterns in older adults is providing the screening test actively. 29 Since the initiation of China's national syphilis control plan, syphilis screening has been widely integrated into HIV voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) services. More than 95% of people who received HIV testing services have undergone free syphilis testing. 30 Referral, treatment, and follow-up services would be provided to those diagnosed with syphilis. In Shenzhen, more than half of VCT sites are set in community health service centres, where a separate room is arranged for counselling and testing service. However, due to the low awareness of self-testing, older adults rarely positively seek the services. Meanwhile, most health staff are unwilling to provide the service actively because of limited experience, lack of time, discomfort in discussing sexual behaviours and STDs with older adults, stigma, ageism, etc. 28 Hence, enhanced training of healthcare providers and education of older adults are necessary.