Syphilis among Roma community: a single-center experience in Bulgaria (socio-demographic data collection, 2008–2022)

Abstract

Introduction: With a population of roughly 11 million, the Roma (Gypsies) are the largest ethnic minority in Europe, particularly in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe. A number of serious socioeconomic issues, such as poor health, low levels of education, unemployment, discrimination, criminal activity, high-risk sexual behavior, and a high rate of illnesses, including STDs, are present in their society. Aim: This study set out to investigate the frequency and demographics of syphilis within the Pleven region’s Roma population. Materials and methods: The methodology pertains to the study of data obtained from the Pleven registrations of the University Clinic of Dermatology and Venereology. The patients were chosen between the years 2008 and 2022. Results: The findings demonstrated that over the course of the study’s 15 years, 323 people fell ill, with 35% of those individuals being Roma. Simultaneously, the proportion of Roma people living in the Pleven region fluctuated between 4.09% in 2011 and 3.09% in 2021. There were 113 Roma patients with syphilis, with 55% being female and 45% being male. The age group most commonly affected was 20–29 years old (44%), followed by singles (32%), and cohabiting individuals (49%), 49% had primary and basic education, 54% were unemployed, and 82% were heterosexual. Among Roma women, 11.5% were prostitutes, 14% were pregnant, and 15% gave birth. Cases of congenital syphilis were 4.4%. Statistically significant differences in all observed characteristics in Roma and patients from other ethnic groups are consistent with the data in other Central and Eastern European countries. Conclusion: In conclusion, our findings confirm the high risk of contracting syphilis.