JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Countries in Latin America, Africa, and Asia present high incidences of syphilis. New approaches are needed to comprehend and reduce disease transmissibility. In healthcare, spatial analysis is important to map diseases and understand their epidemiologic aspects.

Objective:

Therefore, this scoping review protocol was proposed to identify and map the use of spatial analysis as a tool for syphilis-related research in healthcare.

Methods:

This scoping review protocol was based on the manual of Joanna Briggs Institute and guided by PRISMA-ScR. We will conduct searches in Embase, Lilacs (Portuguese and English) via BVS, Medline/PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, and Scopus. For gray literature search, we will consult Google Scholar, Digital Library of Thesis and Dissertations, Catalog of Thesis & Dissertations from CAPES, Open Access Thesis and Dissertations, ProQuest Dissertations & Thesis Global, and Networked Digital Library of Thesis and Dissertations. The main research question is: How has spatial analysis been used in syphilis-related research in healthcare? Inclusion criteria will comprise studies available in full format, addressing syphilis and using any software of geographic information systems and spatial analysis technique. Studies will be included independently of sample characterization and size. Also, studies published as research articles, thesis, dissertations, and government documents will be considered with no location, time, or language restrictions. Data will be extracted using a spreadsheet adapted from the Joanna Briggs Institute. Quantitative and qualitative data will be analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis, respectively.

Results:

This protocol will guide a scoping review to identify and map the use of spatial analysis as a tool in syphilis-related research in healthcare. The results will be presented according to the PRISMA-ScR and summarized regarding the use of spatial analysis in syphilis-related research in healthcare developed in countries with different contexts, the factors associated with the formation of spatial clusters, the impacts on population health and contributions to health systems, challenges, limitations, and possible research gaps to guide future research. The results of this scoping review may be useful for sanitarians, managers, public policymakers, the general population, the academic community, and health professionals who directly attend to people with syphilis

Conclusions:

The review may show areas with the highest incidence of syphilis, the countries that mostly use spatial analysis to study syphilis, and the applicability of the technique for syphilis in each continent contribute to the discussion and knowledge dissemination about the use of spatial analysis as a tool for syphilis-related research in healthcare. Clinical Trial: Open Science Framework: OSF.IO/CNVXE; https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/CNVXE.