After exposure to the C-POL intervention: 1) unprotected vaginal or anal sex, sex with casual partners, concurrent sexual relationships, and exchange of sex for drugs or money will decrease significantly; 2) perceived syphilis-risk for self and peer group, knowledge about highly relevant risk-factors, information sources and resources will increase significantly; and 3) syphilis morbidity will decrease significantly in the intervention community as compared to the comparison community.
The C-POL in Texas project is and intervention study which sought to impact the health behaviors of community residents who live in zip codes that have high syphilis morbidity. The study is being implemented in Texas (Dallas and Houston) with residents of a housing developing and the surrounding community. The intervention model used for this study is the Popular Opinion Leader (POL) model, which is effective at reducing new HIV infections. The intent of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a diffusion model (e.g. POL) at reducing syphilis infections in affected communities. For the intervention, community members identified as popular opinion leaders were recruited and trained to share accurate information about syphilis transmission, symptoms, testing, treatment and prevention. Prior to intervention implementation and several times after, community members were given a survey and screened for syphilis as well as 2-3 additional STDs. During each assessment, cross-sections of the community members were sampled.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
1,200
Texas A& M University
College Station, Texas, United States
Change in syphilis prevalence in affected community.
Change in risk behaviors, and health care seeking.
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.