Factors Associated with Syphilis Infection Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care Facilities: A Cross-Sectional Study

https://doi.org/10.53770/medica.v8i7.1136

Authors

  • Dolfinus Yufu Bouway Faculty of Public Health, Cendrawasih University, Jayapura, Papua, Indonesia
  • Fatimah Rahma Nurul Jannai Faculty of Public Health, Cendrawasih University, Jayapura, Papua, Indonesia
  • Inriyanti Assa Faculty of Public Health, Cendrawasih University, Jayapura, Papua, Indonesia

Keywords

Syphilis Pregnant Women Sexually Transmitted Infections Knowledge

Abstract

Syphilis remains a major public health concern among pregnant women because of its serious maternal and neonatal consequences. However, factors associated with syphilis infection among pregnant women in Jayapura City, Indonesia, remain insufficiently understood. This study aimed to identify factors associated with syphilis infection among pregnant women in Jayapura City. An observational analytic study with a cross-sectional design was conducted at seven public health centers between July and August 2025 involving 161 pregnant women selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and laboratory screening records and analyzed with Chi-square tests, Fisher’s Exact tests, and multiple logistic regression. The findings demonstrated that 27.2% of respondents were diagnosed with syphilis. Bivariate analysis showed significant associations between syphilis infection and ethnicity (p = 0.029), occupation (p = 0.009), family income (p = 0.015), knowledge level (p = 0.005), history of sexually transmitted infections (p = 0.013), and risky sexual behavior (p = 0.008). Multivariable analysis identified ethnicity (AOR = 2.846; 95% CI: 1.243–6.514), occupation (AOR = 23.883; 95% CI: 2.356–242.064), and knowledge level (AOR = 2.637; 95% CI: 1.116–6.229) as independent factors associated with syphilis infection. These findings highlight the importance of socioeconomic and knowledge-related determinants in syphilis prevention and support culturally appropriate reproductive health education and community-based interventions. Given the cross-sectional design and purposive sampling, the findings should be interpreted as associations rather than causal relationships.

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Published

2026-07-30

How to Cite

Bouway, D. Y., Jannai, F. R. N., & Assa, I. (2026). Factors Associated with Syphilis Infection Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care Facilities: A Cross-Sectional Study. MEDICA (International Medical Scientific Journal), 8(7), 667–677. https://doi.org/10.53770/medica.v8i7.1136

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Vol. 8 No. 7 (2026): MEDICA (International Medical Scientific Journal)

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