Investigation and response to an outbreak of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup Y ST-1466 urogenital infections, Australia

Abstract

In 2023, an increased number of urogenital and anorectal infections with Neisseria meningitis serogroup Y (MenY) were reported in New South Wales (NSW). Whole genome sequencing (WGS) found a common sequence type (ST-1466), with limited sequence diversity. Confirmed outbreak cases were NSW residents with a N. meningitidis isolate matching the cluster sequence type; probable cases were NSW residents with MenY isolated from a urogenital or anorectal site from 1 July 2023 without WGS testing. Of the 41 cases, most were men (n = 27), of whom six reported recent contact with a female sex worker. Five cases were men who have sex with men and two were female sex workers. Laboratory alerts regarding the outbreak were sent to all Australian jurisdictions through the laboratories in the National Neisseria Network. Two additional states identified urogenital MenY ST-1466 infections detected in late 2023. Genomic analysis showed all MenY ST-1466 sequences were interspersed, suggestive of an Australia-wide outbreak. The incidence of these infections remains unknown, due to varied testing and reporting practices both within and across jurisdictions. Isolates causing invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) in Australia are typed, and there has been no MenY ST-1466 IMD recorded in Australia to end of March 2024. Concerns remain regarding the risk of IMD, given the similarity of these sequences with a MenY ST-1466 IMD strain causing a concurrent outbreak in the United States of America.

Development and psychometric testing of the gender misconceptions of men in nursing (GEMINI) scale among nursing students

BACKGROUND

Misconceptions about men in nursing may influence recruitment and retention, further perpetuating the gender diversity imbalance in the nursing workforce. Identifying misconceptions and implementing early intervention strategies to address these deep-rooted stereotypes remain challenging but is considered critical to support students who are commencing a nursing career.

OBJECTIVE

To develop and evaluate the psychometric properties of the 'Gender Misconceptions of meN in nursIng (GEMINI) Scale.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional survey.

METHODS

Pre-registration nursing students enrolled in undergraduate nursing programs across 16 nursing institutions in Australia were surveyed from July to September 2021. The 17-item self-report GEMINI Scale measured the gender misconceptions of men in nursing.

RESULTS

Of the 1410 completed surveys, data from 683 (45%) women were used for exploratory factor analysis showing a one factor structure, while data from 727 men (47%) were used for confirmatory factor analysis of the 17-item GEMINI Scale, which showed a good model fit. The scale demonstrated high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha of 0.892). Men were found to have higher gender misconceptions (p < 0.001) while respondents who: a) identified nursing as their first career choice (p = 0.002); b) were in their final year of program enrolment (p = 0.016); and c) engaged in health-related paid work (p = 0.002) had lower gender misconceptions.

CONCLUSION

The GEMINI Scale is a robust, valid, reliable, and easy to administer tool to assess misconceptions about men in nursing, which may potentially influence academic performance and retention. Identifying and addressing specific elements of misconceptions could inform targeted strategies to support retention and decrease attrition among these students.

IMPACT STATEMENT

Genderism harms nursing, as well as the men and women working in the profession. Recruitment and retention of men into nursing is needed to cultivate male role models and diversify the workforce, however this is impeded by negative portrayals in popular culture and misconceptions entrenched in society.

49. SYPHILIS SCREENING PROFILE AT SEXUAL HEALTH CLINIC, ST GEORGE HOSPITAL & SUTHERLAND HOSPITAL

A retrospective analysis was conducted to describe the cases of Syphilis identified and managed at Short Street Centre and The Sutherland Sexual Health Centre, in South Eastern Sydney and Illawarra Area, from January 2000 to June 2007. Syphilis serology is routinely offered as part of an STI screen to new and follow-up patients as appropriate. Information on the diagnoses, demographic and other variables was extracted from the clinical database Sexual Health Information Program (SHIP) and analysed in SPSS v11. Information on age, gender, relationship status, country of birth, presenting symptoms, stage of Syphilis, type of treatment and subsequent RPR levels were confirmed from patient records. An analysis of the relative frequency of the stages of Syphilis from over 130 patients will be presented and their relationship to a number of demographic and behavioural factors.