Low incidence of syphilis among factory workers in Ethiopia: effect of an intervention based on education and counselling.

BACKGROUND The prevalence and incidence of syphilis infection were examined in a cohort study of factory workers in Ethiopia. METHOD Between February 1997 and March 1999, 409 men and 348 women were enrolled and followed in the cohort study. RESULTS The prevalence (95% CI) of past/current syphilis (positive TPPA serology) was 28.9% (25.7% to 32.3%), and factors associated with past/current syphilis were markers of risky sexual behaviours including HIV infection. In this cohort of factory workers subject to public information/education meetings, testing for HIV antibodies, and individual counselling, the incidence (97.5% one sided CI) of new syphilis infections was 0/691 = 0 (0 to 0.5) per 100 person years. CONCLUSION This study has documented a reduction in risky sexual behaviours and a low syphilis incidence among factory workers participating in a cohort study on HIV infection progression in Addis Ababa.