(P188) SYPHILIS 101 FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKERS: A TRAINING PROGRAM FROM OKLAHOMA STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

Background:
Syphilis cases have been increasing in the United States, with Oklahoma ranking 4th in the nation for rates of primary and secondary syphilis and 5th for rates of congenital syphilis. From 2017 to 2022, there was a 234.7% increase in the rate of primary and secondary syphilis in Oklahoma, with minority groups being disproportionally affected.

Methods:
Oklahoma conducted a series of five syphilis trainings tailored to Community Health Workers (CHWs) employed by the Oklahoma State Department of Health, with a goal to increase overall knowledge and awareness and to encourage CHWs to play an active role in prevention. The trainings covered syphilis staging, signs, symptoms, treatment, and ways to have open conversations about syphilis. Thirty-four individuals were educated across the state, the majority holding CHW roles.

Results:
An initial pilot evaluation was conducted, asking participants: “Will you use what you learned in this training in your work?” Half of the attendees (5/10) reported that they definitely would utilize information presented in their work. However, when asked what would keep them from using the information in their work, 20% (2/10) reported that their colleagues would not support them doing this kind of work. Training was modified to reduce emphasis on clinical information and further expand Disease Intervention Specialists portion to emphasize availability to CHWs as a resource.  

Attendees at subsequent trainings were also given a standard evaluation that showed 58.3% (7/12) “Strongly Agreed” that the training increased their knowledge of syphilis and 66.7% (8/12) reported that their knowledge of resources and tools available increased “Very Much” because of the training.

Conclusion:
Community Health Workers can play a pivotal role in closing the gap to care, including care for Sexually Transmitted Infections. Providing this group with the knowledge and resources needed will empower them to make positive changes in the communities they serve.