Cervical cytology and associated factors among tribal women of Karnataka, India

Ranjitha S Shetty,Kalimuthusamy Natarajaseenivasan,Sanjay M Pattanshetty,Supriti Ghosh,Kapaettu Satyamoorthy,Shama Prasada Kabekkodu,Vasudeva Guddattu,Veena G Kamath,Deeksha Pandey,Sneha D Mallya

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0248963

Ranjitha S Shetty, Kalimuthusamy Natarajaseenivasan + Show 8 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0248963

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Abstract

BackgroundReproductive well-being is a crucial element of women’s health. Due to the asymptomatic nature of gynaecological morbidities, women rarely seek medical advice in the initial period leading to delayed diagnosis and poor prognosis of subsequent disease. The present study aimed to explore the cervical cytology and its associated risk factors among women from tribal communities of the southern part of coastal Karnataka, India.MethodsPapanicolaou (Pap) smear test was performed among 1140 women from three tribal populations, to detect cervical lesions, infections and reactive changes. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to collect data on socio-demographic and reproductive characteristics of the study population.ResultsThe most predominant gynaecological complaint among the participants was severe lower back ache (77.6%), followed by white discharge per vagina (29.0%) and menstrual irregularities (25.9%). Of the 1140 women screened, 12.4% showed cervical microbial infections, 23.6% were reported to have reactive changes, and 0.2% had epithelial cell abnormalities in the cervix. Cervical microbial infections were found to be associated with younger age group, low socio-economic status and younger age at sexual debut.ConclusionMost of the symptoms suggestive of gynaecological morbidities reported in this study are preventable or treatable. Strengthening ongoing cervical cancer screening programme and implementation of health education programmes among tribal population would be the right policy approach to prevent, detect and treat these symptoms at an early stage and to achieve acceptable health outcomes among tribal women.

Highlights

Reproductive health is a crucial element of women’s health and well-being
Cervical microbial infections were found to be associated with younger age group, low socio-economic status and younger age at sexual debut
The study was approved by State Tribal Welfare Department (STWD), Karnataka, Integrated Tribal Development Project (ITDP), District Health Authority, and Institutional Ethics Committee, Kasturba Hospital, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal (Registration No.: ECR/146/ Inst/KA/2013, project approval no.: IEC181/2013)

Summary

Introduction

Reproductive morbidities are the leading cause of disease burden among women in the reproductive age. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), reproductive morbidity is defined as “any morbidity or dysfunction of the reproductive tract, or any morbidity as a consequence of reproductive behaviour including pregnancy, abortion, childbirth and sexual behaviour”. It can be categorised as obstetric, gynaecological and contraceptive morbidity [2]. Gynaecological morbidities are the conditions of the women’s reproductive system including reproductive tract infections (RTIs), uterine prolapse, cervical cell anomalies, and infertility along with systemic conditions such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), high blood pressure, anaemia, obesity and syphilis but not associated with pregnancies [3]. The present study aimed to explore the cervical cytology and its associated risk factors among women from tribal communities of the southern part of coastal Karnataka, India

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Discussion

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