Reducing Syphilis Prevalence among the Native American Males aged 25-35 in Gallup,New Mexico, through Sexual Health Education and Screening

Literature Review

1. The Distribution of the Problem in the Population
   The Gallup Native American male community aged 25-35 exhibits characteristics
   consistent with other native communities in America. Most Natives have a higher prevalence of
   primary and secondary syphilis than whites. Health disparities increase the risk of syphilis up to
   5.4 times for primary and secondary syphilis among Native American communities compared to
   whites, leading to disproportional suffering. Syphilis is a population health problem in Gallup,
   given the widespread prevalence among sexually active youth. Syphilis disproportionately
   affects the global population among marginalized native populations. Gallup, New Mexico has
   seen a rise of syphilis among the Native American population since 2011 (NM-IBIS, 2022). The
   rate of reported cases of syphilis among the Native American males aged 25-35 years increased
   by 8% from 2018 to 2020.
   The location and social realities of the Gallup population exacerbate their risk of syphilis.
   The geographical location of New Mexico makes it difficult to find adequate resources and
   opportunities to sustain the community. Yearby et al. (2022) note the hardships that southern
   Native communities face in modern times due to structured racism and social injustice. The
   economic and social conditions are outstanding to increase the risk of syphilis. Poverty also
   places the population in perpetual efforts to fend for their livelihoods. Gallup’s poverty rate in
   NM is 50% higher than the state average. Furthermore, low education levels impair the diffusion
   of critical knowledge, including healthy practices promoted through sexual health education in
   this target population.
2. Disparities and Social Determinants and the Community Needs

3
The location and social realities of the Gallup population exacerbate their risk of syphilis.
The geographical location of New Mexico makes it difficult to find adequate resources and
opportunities to sustain the community. Yearby et al. (2022) note the hardships that southern
Native communities face in modern times due to structured racism and social injustice. The
economic and social conditions are outstanding to increase the risk of syphilis. Poverty also
places the population in perpetual efforts to fend for their livelihoods. Gallup’s poverty rate in
NM is 50% higher than the state average. Furthermore, low education levels impair the diffusion
of critical knowledge, including healthy practices promoted through sexual health education in
this target population.

3. Interventions and Programs

4

References

Magarati, M., Chambers, R. S., Yenokyan, G., Rosenstock, S., Walls, M., Slimp, A., Larzelere,
F., Lee, A., Pinal, L., & Tingey, L. (2022). Predictors of STD screening from the
indigenist stress-coping model among native adults with binge substance use. Frontiers
in Public Health, 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2022.829539