AbstractObjective:To estimate the prevalence of syphilis and associated factors in riverine
communities.Method:This is a cross-sectional and analytical study carried out with 250 riverside
dwellers living in five communities in the city of João Pessoa, state of
Paraíba. Data were collected through interviews and rapid screening tests to
investigate syphilis. Bivariate, logistic regression and weight of evidence
analysis were performed to identify the association between risk factors and
behavior variables and rapid test positivity.Results:he prevalence of syphilis was 11.6% (95%CI: 7.5–15.6). Riverside dwellers who
have a previous history of Sexually Transmitted Infection (OR 8.00; 95%CI:
2.76–23.2), history of imprisonment (OR 7.39; 95%CI: 1.61–33.7) and who
reported having more than two sexual partners in the last 12 months (OR
4.31; 95%CI: 1.55–11.9) were more likely to be positive for syphilis.Conclusion:High prevalence of syphilis among riverside dwellers and the presence of
behavioral factors that increase vulnerability to acquiring the infection.
The need to invest in preventive and screening strategies for syphilis in
populations considered vulnerable is highlighted.