Census tract-level social vulnerability and gonorrhea rates in central Ohio: results from the STD Surveillance Network, 2020-2021.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Gonorrhea remains a significant burden in central Ohio, particularly in socially disadvantaged communities. This study evaluates gonorrhea case rates and changes from 2020 to 2021, focusing on geographic patterns associated with social vulnerability. METHODS: We analyzed gonorrhea case data from the Columbus STD Surveillance Network (SSuN) for 2020 and 2021. Cases were linked to census tracts and categorized into low (0-0.66) or high (0.67-1.0) vulnerability groups based on the CDC/ATSDR social vulnerability index (SVI). We mapped gonorrhea case rates per 100,000 population, stratified by SVI group, and compared changes using Jenks natural breaks to determine cutpoints. High case rates were defined as ≥605 (2020) and ≥ 532 (2021). A change in case rates was defined as <154 (decrease/no change) or ≥ 154 (increase). Demographic factors were summarized for both years. RESULTS: In 2020 and 2021, nearly half of high SVI tracts had high gonorrhea rates, compared to about 4-7% of low SVI tracts. Median rates in high SVI tracts were approximately five times higher than in low SVI tracts, with rates 546 and 598 per 100,000 in 2020 and 2021, compared to 98 and 104 per 100,000, respectively. Gonorrhea rates increased in 23 (9%) of low SVI tracts and 37 (25%) of high SVI tracts. Demographic characteristics remained consistent between the two years. CONCLUSIONS: Gonorrhea rates increased in central Ohio between 2020 and 2021, with higher burdens in high SVI census tracts. Understanding the dynamics of social vulnerability at the community level is crucial for targeting limited STD resources effectively.