Prevalence and risk factors of trichomoniasis in patients attending two medical centres in urban and rural areas in the North West Region, Cameroon

Abstract

Trichomoniasis has been increasingly recognised over the past decade, underlining its importance as a public health problem. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of trichomoniasis in patients in urban and rural areas in the NW Region, Cameroon. Three hundred and forty-four samples, were gotten from the vagina and urethra using sterile swaps. Wet mount microscopy, sedimentation concentration technique and staining were used to observe collected samples. Risk factors were assessed via questionnaires. Data obtained was analyzed using SPSS version 21. Chi square test was used to test for differences in proportions in different categories, regression analysis was used to test the relationship between prevalence and risk factors in the study. The overall prevalence of trichomoniasis was 16.3% (56) and prevalence was higher in the urban area 20.9% (36) than in the rural area 11.6% (20). Females were more infected 19.8% (51) than males 5.8% (5), singles had a higher prevalence 18.6% (22) compared to those married 15.9% (34). The risk factors of interest included; having multiple sexual partners, no use of condoms during sex, and lack of hygiene. Trichomoniasis prevalence in the study was high (16.3%) indicating the need for more sensitization. Rural areas are not free from this infection and also merit extra preventive and treatment efforts.