Training Years: 2015-2016
Training Site: UNC Project-China
Country: China
Mentors: Joe Tucker, MD, PhD; Mike Cohen, MD
Title: Depth vs Breadth: Optimal Screening Strategies to Reduce Syphilis in Men who have Sex with Men in Guangzhou
Project Objectives:
Hypothesis: Most syphilis control programs focus on screening coverage rather than screening frequency (i.e. promotion of testing more than once a year).
Aim 1: To systematically review existing syphilis testing strategies and guidelines globally and in China to inform feasible model variant design for implementation in Guangdong
Hypothesis: Increasing test frequency among MSM already undergoing annual syphilis screening will reduce syphilis incidence more than expanding screening coverage.
Aim 2: To estimate the effect of expanding MSM screening coverage versus expanding MSM screening frequency on syphilis incidence at 2015 and 2020
Hypothesis: Lower syphilis incidence resulting from an enhanced testing program will also reduce HIV incidence.
Aim 3: To quantify the concomitant reduction in HIV incidence in Guangdong MSM in 2015 and 2020 as a result of reduced syphilis transmission.
NIH Support: Fogarty scholars doctoral training award
