Abstract

Syphilis disease has recently re-emerged and can result in serious, life-altering consequences, making it a significant public health concern. Untreated syphilis can have devastating effects, including brain damage, blindness, and paralysis. Congenital cases can cause miscarriage and infant death (Winny, 2024). The U.S. had its lowest rates of syphilis in 1999, potentially due to the efforts against the HIV epidemic. However, in the last two decades, syphilis transmission has been on the rise. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there was an 80% increase in reported syphilis between 2018 and 2022 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024). Several reasons for the re-emergence of syphilis could possibly include inadequacy of screening, stigma from the public and providers, as well as inability to track partners with online dating apps becoming mainstream (Winny, 2024). Syphilis symptoms can happen intermittently and lie dormant in the latent phase, making people unaware they are positive for the disease. Syphilis has reliable and quick screening and effective treatment options, yet cases continue to grow. The purpose of this research study was to assess Mississippi College Students’ knowledge of syphilis, including syphilis as a disease, screening and prevention, and complications of untreated syphilis. The study employed a descriptive and quantitative approach, utilizing a survey developed by the researchers through Qualtrics. A 23-question survey was created by the researchers to gather participants’ demographic information and to assess their understanding of syphilis. An email was distributed to various colleges and universities through the student email database. Analysis of 125 survey responses revealed that this population was most knowledgeable about causes, stages, the spread of syphilis, and what congenital syphilis is. There was also a correlation found between those with higher knowledge of syphilis and willingness to get tested. Overall, Mississippi College students who are older and farther along in their academic goals show a basic awareness of facts about syphilis disease.

Degree

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Degree Date

2025

First Advisor

Dr. Emily Stidham

Document Type

Thesis

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