Prevalence Of Reproductive Tract Infections Research Articles

IJCM_217A: Literacy for health: Bridging the gap between female literacy and health seeking behaviour

Background: The private sector has maintained its dominance in the healthcare industry despite numerous government measures to improve public services. Public sector is still not a choice for treatment, various reasons being large distance from residence, poor quality of care, shortage of drugs, poor attitude of health care provider. Enumeration of the factors that defines pattern of the utilization of health services become utmost important. Hence, this study is being conducted to understand the factors behind the utilization of government health services. Objectives: i)To find the prevalence of Reproductive Tract Infections, among married women of reproductive age group, seeking treatment among rural and peri-urban areas of Aligarh. ii) To find the determinants of utilization of reproductive health services among married women in Aligarh. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between 2020-2021 Data was collected through a pretested, semi-structured questionnaire through simple random sampling from 500 married women of reproductive age group, in the field areas registered under Department of Community Medicine, JNMCH A.M.U. Data was analysed using IBM SPSS 20.0. Proportion, frequencies, chi square were used to interpret the data. Results: Among total females interviewed 201 (40.2%) were found to have symptoms of Reproductive Tract Infections, out of them 165, (74.1%) sought treatment. Among 165 females who started treatment, 62.4 % of females seeking treatment were literate.69% females who delayed treatment were illiterate. Self-motivation for treatment was seen among 60.2 % of literate females. Area of residence, social class and female’s role in decision making also determined the treatment seeking behaviour. Conclusion: In our study female literacy has been found as major factor influencing the health seeking behaviour. Factors like place of residence, socio economic status, female role in decision making were significant. There is no denying the significant health benefits of supporting women’s education. Education has a crucial role in family planning, from the earliest stages to caring for one’s own health and newborn children.

Prevalence of Reproductive Tract Infections and Association with Human Papillomavirus Infection Among Reproductive-Age Women - Six Tertiary Hospitals, China, June 2021-December 2022.

Previous studies have indicated a possible association between reproductive tract infections (RTIs) and high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, but the evidence is still inconclusive. This multicenter study found significantly higher positive rates of HPV, including general HPV, high-risk HPV, and HPV 16/18 infections, among women who tested positive for single or multiple RTIs compared to women who tested negative for RTIs in gynecological outpatient clinics. Infection with HPV, especially high-risk types, is linked to RTIs and imbalances in the vaginal microbiota. Implementing standardized protocols for identifying and treating RTIs could support the establishment of a healthy vaginal microenvironment. This, in turn, may offer a novel approach to preventing cervical cancer.

Prevalence of reproductive tract infections in rural areas studied by the community based intervention programme

In developing countries Reproductive tract infections are very important public health problem. RTI’s that are not sexually transmitted are considered even more common.2 These infections present major health, social and economic problems 3,4 A baseline study done among married young women in 1996–97 found a high prevalence of reproductive tract infections.14 In response to the findings of this study, CHAD has adopted a comprehensive community based interventional strategy to reduce the burden of RTIs. Health education providing information on RTI’s is provided to adolescents in school health programmes, out -Of-school youth and to young married couples. Regular mass education campaigns are held in the villages. The health team offers counseling on risk reduction both at the hospital and during home visits. In an attempt to expand health care services for early diagnosis and prompt treatment to the community level. Aim: To study the effect of a community - based intervention on the prevalence of reproductive tract infections in the community. Results: The total number of married women between the ages 15 - 25 years in Durgapur region from Gopalpur, Rajbandh and Panagargh villages were around 1740 participants.

A Study to Assess the Prevalence of Reproductive Tract Infection based on Syndromic Approach and Health-Seeking Behaviour among the Women of Reproductive Age Group in Selected Rural Areas of Kamrup District, Assam

A Study to Assess the Prevalence of Reproductive Tract Infection based on Syndromic Approach and Health-Seeking Behaviour among the Women of Reproductive Age Group in Selected Rural Areas of Kamrup District, Assam

Prevalence of reproductive tract infections among women preparing to conceive in Chongqing, China: trends and risk factors

BackgroundReproductive tract infection has become a major public health issue all over the world for its high and growing prevalence. It can cause adverse pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women and their foetuses. This study aimed to investigate the trends and risk factors of the prevalence of reproductive tract infections among women who prepared to conceive in the Chongqing Municipality (China) from 2012 to 2016.MethodsA multi-center cross-sectional study was conducted between January 2012 and December 2016. Women aged 20–49 years who intended to get pregnant were recruited for this study. All participants underwent preconception examination, which included testing for Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, Trichomonas vaginalis, syphilis, bacterial vaginosis and candidiasis according to the national diagnostic standard. A total of 439,372 women with testing results for all six types of reproductive tract infections were included in our final analyses. Logistic regression and factor analysis were used to determine the possible sociodemographic factors associated with prevalence trends.ResultsIn our study, the overall positive rate of RTIs among the 439,372 women of reproductive age was 5.03%. Candidiasis was the most common infection in our population (2.47%), followed by bacterial vaginosis (1.28%), syphilis (0.73%), T. vaginalis (0.49%), C. trachomatis (0.20%) and N. gonorrhoeae (0.06%). The prevalence of reproductive tract infections was highest among women aged 35 years and above, with a primary or lower education level, history of pregnancy, delivery, induced abortion, or spontaneous abortion. From 2012 to 2016, the trend of the overall prevalence of reproductive tract infections was V-shaped, decreasing steadily from 2012 to 2015, with a slight rise in 2016. Our results suggest that the distribution change of age, education level, gravidity, parity, and history of induced abortion influenced this trend.ConclusionSince the number of high-risk women who intend to become pregnant is growing in the Chongqing Municipality, pre-conception positive preventions including health education, regular screening, and timely treatment of reproductive tract infections are needed to prevent the impact of reproductive tract infections on maternal health and infant safety.

CONCOMITANT MALARIAL INFECTION AND PATHOGENIC MICROBIOTA IN THE REPRODUCTIVE TRACT OF PREGNANT WOMEN IN ORLU, IMO STATE, NIGERIA

To determine the prevalence and types of concomitant malaria and bacterial/mycoticReproductive Tract Infections within the study area. Cervico-vaginal swabs were collected from 200participating women using dry cotton and Dacron by placing them in the vaginal cavity for 10 seconds,removed and immediately rolled onto a slide for diagnosis of BV., C. trachomatis, N. gonorrhoea, T. vaginalisand other RTIs by PCR. The swabs were stored at -20 oC for a few hours pending extraction which wasconducted within 24 hours. For Malaria diagnosis and microscopy, thick blood films were stained using 10%Giemsa. A total of 18 attendees (9.05%) had Bacterial Vaginosis, 8 (4%) had Trichomoniasis while 8 (4%) and4 (2%) had Gonorrhea and Syphilis respectively. 82(41%) had malaria infection only while 96 (48%) had nomalaria infection. 22(11%) had malaria and co-infection of reproductive tract infections (RTIs). There wasno significant difference in concomitant malaria infections and RTIs between pregnant women and nonpregnant ones. P>0.001. Pregnancy was found not ot affect prevalence of Reproductive Tract Infections. Thefindings highlight the importance of an integrated approach to malaria and reproductive tract infectionscontrol during pregnancy.

The Prevalence of Reproductive Tract Infections Based on the Syndromic Management Approach Among Ever-Married Rural Women in Kancheepuram District, Tamil Nadu: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study

IntroductionReproductive tract infections (RTIs) are endemic among developing countries and common among females specifically in the reproductive age group. The sequelae of this lead to infertility. The main reason behind the high prevalence was found to be the lack of awareness about the disease and the stigma toward the disease.Aims and objectivesThis study aims to assess the prevalence of reproductive tract infection based on the syndromic management approach among ever-married rural women in the reproductive age group in the Kancheepuram District.MethodologyThis community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the rural field practice area of Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute during the period from March 2016 to May 2017. The sample size taken was 330, and the sample size was arrived at by multistage random sampling and population proportion to size. Data were collected using a standardized questionnaire of District Level Household Survey 4 (DLHS-4) on RTI/sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Data were then entered in Microsoft Excel (Microsoft Corp., Redmond, WA, USA) and analyzed using SPSS version 21 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA), and results were interpreted.ResultsThe prevalence of RTI was found to be 50.3%, with the majority (61.3%) of women in the age group of 28-37 years, 52.85% among females living with spouses, and 57.9% from the Hindu community. The prevalence was high among the lower-middle-class and nuclear families. The commonest symptom is vulval itching with 74.09%, and the least is boils with 0.9%. A significant association was noted between RTI and menstrual hygiene practices and socioeconomic status (p < 0.05).ConclusionThe prevalence was high among rural females, and the main reason behind it was the stigma and the lack of awareness. Health education using various sources should be provided to get rid of these issues.

Prevalence of reproductive tract infections including sexually transmitted infections among married women in urban and peri-urban mid to low socioeconomic neighbourhoods of Delhi, North India: an observational study protocol

IntroductionThe Global Health Sector Strategy on sexually transmitted infections (STIs), endorsed by the World Health Assembly in 2016 aims to end STIs as public health threat by 2030. WHO conducts...

How Do Urban Slum Women Manage Excessive Vaginal Discharge? A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Abnormal vaginal discharge (VD), which is a recurring problem for most of the women at reproductive age, is a good predictor for many gynecological morbidities. Many women constantly neglect abnormal VD because of the prevailing “culture of silence.” Women who live in urban slum are vulnerable to many unhealthy practices and have a high prevalence of reproductive tract infection, especially sexually transmitted infections. Hence, this study aimed to describe urban slum women' understanding, attitudes, and related practices for abnormal VD. Materials and Methods: This community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 550 women living in urban slum in the Colombo Municipal Council area, Colombo District, Sri Lanka, during September 2015–March 2016. A multistage cluster sampling technique was used. A validated, pretested, interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect information from females. Data were analyzed using descriptive and relevant inferential statistics (Chi-square test and one-way analysis of variance). Results: The mean age of the women was 32.51 (standard deviation [SD] ±7.94) years. The mean knowledge score was 29.18 (SD ± 8.68). Most of the women (97.1%) had inadequate level of knowledge (&lt;50%). A significant association was observed between the knowledge score levels with the participants' educational level (P = 0.00). Major areas of knowledge deficit include causes for pathological VD and reproductive tract infections. Majority (95.9%) agreed that abnormal VD should be taken seriously but from the women who accepted (78.2%) that VD has ever been a concern to them, only 59% had consulted a general practitioner. There was a significant relationship with having accompanying symptoms such as burning sensation and lower abdominal pain and consulting a general practitioner (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: Culture-specific health education intervention measures need to be targeted in order to improve their knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward VD.

A cross-sectional study on health-seeking behavior in relation to reproductive tract infection among ever-married rural women in Kancheepuram district, Tamil Nadu.

Introduction:Reproductive tract infection (RTI) is the infection of the reproductive tract. Due to the hesitation in reporting the symptoms and receiving the treatment from the health centers, there is a significant dropout. The health care-seeking actions of the women reflects the attentiveness of the disease in that community and the inadequacy of the health care facility. Since the women from the rural area belongs to high-risk group for RTI, this study was conducted with the objective to assess the health care-seeking behavior about reproductive tract infection among rural women in the reproductive age group in Kancheepuram district, Tamil Nadu. Primary care physicians play a vital role in improving health care system, assessing the health-seeking practice helps in improvement and decision making and implementing.Methods and Material:A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the rural field practice area of Chettinad hospital. A sample size of 330 was arrived by multi-stage random sampling and population proportion to size method. Data was collected using a standardized questionnaire of DLHS- 4 on RTI/STI. Data entered in MS-EXCEL and analyzed using SPSS version 21 and results interpreted.Results:The prevalence of RTI was found to be 50.3%. 60.8% of the affected females received treatment with majority of them in the group following home remedies. Significant association was noted between treatment seeking behavior, age, and the socioeconomic status (P- < 0.05).Conclusions:The women in the reproductive age group in the rural areas should be provided with regular health education regarding the symptoms of the RTI and also motivate them to seek appropriate treatment.

Reproductive health in pre and post menopausal women: A special focus on migrants

Reproductive tract infections (RTIs) are extremely common and a major health concern for Indian women especially when they reach middle and later adulthood years. An attempt has been made in this study to examine the prevalence of reproductive tract infections among middle aged and older adult migrant women by using a mixed method approach. The study population consists of 200 middle aged women in pre menopausal (50-55 years) group and older women (55-65 years) group in post menopausal. Along with quantitative data, in-depth interviews and focused group discussions were organized. Results indicated that more than half of the respondents had symptoms of RTIs. The most frequently reported symptoms were abnormal vaginal discharge (48 percent), lower abdominal pain (63.2percent) and minor problems. The food consumption pattern was not satisfactory in almost all the respondents. The outcome of the study highlights a dire need to advance a healthy food system to prevent adverse reproductive health problems and avoid associated health care costs.

Pengaruh Media Video Edukasi Tentang Vulva Hygiene Terhadap Tingkat Pengetahuan dan Sikap Remaja Putri

Vulva hygiene is an effort to maintain the cleanliness and health of the feminine area to avoid infectious diseases of reproduction caused by viruses, bacterias, and fungis. According to WHO, 75% of women in the world have experienced vaginal discharge that can be accompanied by candidiasis or bacterial vaginosis at least once in their life, 45% of them have experienced vaginal discharge 2 or more times. In Indonesia in 2012 almost 70% of women have experienced vaginal discharge. The highest prevalence of reproductive tract infections (ISR) in Indonesian, there were teenagers’ (42%). The teenagers' knowledge in Al-Ittifaqiah Indralaya Islamic boarding school of vulva hygiene were still low, so it was feared that the negative impact of not taking care vulva hygiene could be occurred. The use of educational videos was expected to improve teenagers' knowledge and attitude well. This study aimed to determine the effect of health education by using educational videos on the level of teenagers' knowledge and attitude about vulva hygiene at Al-Ittifaqiah Indralaya Islamic boarding school. The design of this study was pre-experimental with one group pre-posttest design. The population in this study was teenangers' class VIII MTs. Al-Ittifaqiah Indralaya with a sample of 76 respondents with a purposive sampling technique. The research instrument used a questionnaire, univariate data analysis used percentages and bivariate analysis used the Marginal Homogeneity test and the McNemar test. The results of the knowledge analysis using the Marginal Homogeneity test showed that there was a significant difference in the teenagers' knowledge before and after being given health education with a p-value of 0.000 (p <0.05). The results of the analysis of attitudes using McNemar test showed that there were significant differences in the teenagers' of attitudes before and after being given health education with a p-value of 0.000 (p <0.05). So it could be concluded that there was a significant influence on the teenagers' knowledge and attitudes before and after being given health education through educational video media about vulva hygiene. Educational video learning media was expected to become a health education program through school's health clinic (UKS) of Al-Ittifaqiah Islamic boarding school in order to increase the teenagers' knowledge and attitudes, especially regarding vulva hygiene.

A Study on Prevalence of Reproductive Tract Infections among Married Women in a Rural Area of Kanchipuram Tamilnadu

Introduction: Reproductive Tract Infection (RTI) is a major public and reproductive health threat globally. The burden of RTI deprives contribution of women in socioeconomic and cultural development. The aim is to determine the prevalence of RTI in married women and to spell out various associating factors of RTI.&#x0D; Methodology: A cross sectional study done in the rural area around Sree Balaji Medical College. Using purposive sampling, 365 women were selected as study participants. Data collection was done using a pretested structured questionnaire. Data analysis was done using SPSS software version25.&#x0D; Results: Among the 365 women, who participated in the study, the prevalence of RTI was 42%. Those reported more symptoms of RTI belonged to 16-25 (37.2%) years of age group. The commonest symptom reported by the women was abnormal vaginal discharge (16.4%), followed by lower abdominal pain (10.94%). The symptoms of reproductive tract infection were associated with age, age at marriage, education, socioeconomic status and menstrual hygiene practices.&#x0D; Conclusion: Proper management, health education reduces high prevalence of RTI. Women should have enough knowledge to seek proper medical care for infections which are curable and reduces the risk of developing further complications.

Socio-demographic Characteristics of Women with Reproductive Tract Infection Attending a Military Hospital

Introduction: Reproductive tract infections (RTIs) are being increasingly recognized as a serious global health problem with impact on individual women and men, their families and communities. RTIs are a group of disease that cause infection of the genital tract and include both those that are sexually transmitted and those that are not. RTIs are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in both men and women, especially in women of reproductive age.&#x0D; Objectives: To determine the socio-demographic characteristics among women with RTIs attending at gynecology outpatient department, CMH, Dhaka.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out with a view to find out the socio-demographic characteristics of women with RTIs and their common clinical presentations. The study was conducted among women of reproductive age group of Bangladesh Armed Forces attending at Gynecology OPD, CMH Dhaka, for the period of 1st march to 30th June 2011. A total of 128 women (114 married and 14 were unmarried) were interviewed with the help of structured question and checklist. Data was collected through clinical diagnostic approach made by gynecologists.&#x0D; Results: It was found that highest percentage of respondents (32.8%) were in the age group of 30-34 years, mean age at marriage was 17.79 years. The highest percentage of respondents (46.5%) was married at the age range of 16-18 years. Among the respondents, 89.1% were married and 10.9% were unmarried. The women with higher education level had lower occurrence of RTIs than women with lower education. In relation to status of spouse of married women, RTIs were significantly more among the wife of other ranks. Practice of personal hygiene during menstruation showed safe positive impact on RTIs. It was found that 50% respondents were presenting with vaginal discharge (Leucorrhoea). Most of the causes were vaginitis (38.3%).&#x0D; Conclusion: Study findings indicate that high prevalence of RTIs among women is due to the influence of less educational status, low income and also husband's educational background and employment status.&#x0D; JAFMC Bangladesh. Vol 15, No 2 (December) 2019: 218-220

Impact of socioeconomic and demographic factors on reproductive tract infections during reproductive age group (18-45) years

Introduction: The Aims of this study were to identify the prevalence of reproductive tract infection in married women of reproductive age group (18-45 years), to analyse the impact of socioeconomic and demographic factors on reproductive tract infections, to treat the underlying cause. Materials and Methods: Total of 500 women were examined, out of those 300 women was found to have reproductive tract infections and were enrolled for further study and evaluation. Appropriate antibiotics were given to them and then followed. Results: The study results showed a high prevalence of RTI (60%). The highest prevalence was found among the age group between 26-29years followed by 30-33years and 34-37 years. The most affected women were from rural population (80%), low socioeconomic group (63.4%) and illiterate (59%). Conclusion: The present study showed high prevalence of RTI. It needs further depth study on their literacy and economic factors to evaluate and analyse the impact of these factors on reproductive tract infections. Keywords: Reproductive tract infection, Socioeconomic, Demographic, Symptoms.

Community Based Study on Reproductive Tract Infection in a District of West Bengal – An Appraisal

Background:Reproductive tract infections and sexually transmitted diseases represent a major public health problem in developing countries. As reported from different community based studies conducted in India, the range of self reported morbidity vary from 39- 84%. Majority of the women bear the problems silently without seeking advice and treatment. Objectives: to estimate the prevalence of RTIs morbidity among married women and identify different socio-environmental factors associated with it. Materials &amp; Methods: A Community Based Cross – Sectional study was carried out in Howrah district of West Bengal during May 2009 to August 2009 to reveal the prevalence of Reproductive Tract Infection and its Social correlates. The respondents were 2000 currently married women (15-49yrs) selected by stratified multistage random sampling. House to house visit and data collection was done by faculty members of Community Medicine of different Medical colleges of W.B. using predesigned &amp; pretested schedule. Result: The prevalence of RTI was 9.9% and was higher in 24-29 yrs age group. RTI was indirectly proportional to literacy status. Prevalence of RTI was significantly higher among those who did not use sanitary napkin or clean sundried domestic cloths. The occurrence of RTI was lower among those who used to practice barrier method of Contraception whereas it was higher among Cu-T users. Majority of symptomatic complained about vaginal discharge (44.7%). Conclusion: To prevent RTI morbidities, use of clean sundried domestic cloths, barrier method of contraception and awareness about small family norm are to be recommended through intervention in future.

A study on prevalence of reproductive tract infections and health seeking behaviour among the women in an urban slum area of Karimnagar

Introduction: Reproductive tract infections (RTIs) are recognized as public health problem and rank second after maternal morbidity and mortality because of loss of healthy life among women of reproductive age. National family Health Survey-4 (2015-2016) has reported that 23.5% of the women were suffering from reproductive tract infections. RTIs are considered not just a medical problem but also seen as a symptom of wider social pathology in the community. Objectives: To study the prevalence of reproductive tract infections and its socio-demographic determinants among the women of reproductive age group (15-49 years) in urban slums. To assess the health seeking behavior among the women suffering from reproductive tract infections. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the women of reproductive age group (15-49 yrs) residing in slums of urban field practice area of tertiary care teaching hospital during the period from June 2017 to October 2018. A total of 300 women were selected by simple random sampling technique. A pre designed and pre tested semi-structured questionnaire was used for collecting the data.Thedata was analyzed using SPSS 20.0 Soft ware. Results and Conclusion: The prevalence of RTIs among the women was 22.3%. Vaginal discharge, 57(85%) and pain abdomen 39 (58.2%) were the most common symptoms. The socio demographic factors significantly associated with RTIs were illiteracy and low socio economic status. Women using cloth during menstruation and having dysmenorrhea were found to be associated risk factors for RTIs. Women having &gt; 3 children, 26(29.2%) and using IUCD, 16(50%) as a method of contraception were found to be at risk of RTIs. Health seeking behavior of the women suffering from RTI was found to be poor, 13(19.4%)

The Prevalence of Reproductive Tract Infections in a Chinese Internal Migrant Population, and Its Correlation with Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Objective: This study was designed to assess the prevalence of reproductive tract infections (RTIs) among an internal-migrant population of reproductive age in China. We also analyzed the knowledge, attitude, and practices related to these infections. Methods: A cross-sectional study using the quota-sampling method was conducted in three cities from March 2016 to February 2017. A total of 3320 participants (40.7% men and 59.3% women) were enrolled in the study, of whom, 1124, 1015, and 1181 were from Yinchuan, Urumchi, and Shanghai, respectively. Data on the included subjects were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Results: We found that 3.2% and 22.6% of all subjects lacked knowledge regarding the identification and prevention of RTIs, respectively. More than 80% of the participants approved of developing RTI surveillance and taking RTI-related courses. While 45.1% of the respondents changed their underwear every 2–3 days, 49.0% cleaned their genitals daily, and 34.9% reported taking a bath daily. Among contraceptive users, 47.4% and 29.7% used condoms and IUDs (intrauterine devices), respectively. Overall, 48.2% of the participants had laboratory-confirmed sexually transmitted infections, and 19.7% of the female participants had endogenous infections. After controlling the socio-demographic variables, participants who cleaned their genitals and took a bath less frequently, as well as used condoms or pills had a lower prevalence of sexually transmitted infections, while those who were unwilling to take RTI-related courses and changed their underwear less frequently were more likely to contract sexually transmitted infections. While women who were unwilling to take RTI-related courses had a lower prevalence of endogenous infections, those with more children had a higher prevalence. Conclusion: The status of RTIs among the internal-migrant population of reproductive-age is not optimistic and is related to multiple factors. We believe this study will contribute to improving the knowledge, attitude, and practices related to RTIs.

Prevalence of reproductive tract infections in women attending a tertiary care center in Northern India with special focus on associated risk factors.

Background:Reproductive tract infections (RTIs) continue to present major health, social, and economic problems worldwide, and their complications are the most important causes of morbidity and mortality for women, especially in developing countries. Interest in RTIs and their management has increased tremendously because the presence of a RTI in the sexual partner increases the risk of acquisition of HIV.Aims:The aim of this study is to know the prevalence of RTIs, its correlation with clinical features and associated risk factors in women of reproductive age group attending a tertiary care center in Lucknow.Materials and Methods:The present study was conducted on 318 women of the reproductive age group (18–45 years) attending the RTI/sexually transmitted infection clinic at our center; they were evaluated for the prevalence of following RTIs: Chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, and candidiasis; their correlation with clinical features and associated risk factors.Results:The prevalence of reproductive tract infections in women attending our centre reported 9.7%. The prevalence of candidiasis was maximum (11.5%) followed by chlamydia (4.1%), syphilis (4.1%), bacterial vaginosis (1.73%), and trichomoniasis (0.57%). None of the women were found positive for gonorrhea. The most common presentation was genital discharge (52.8%) followed by lower abdominal pain (45.2%).Conclusion:The factors found to be significantly associated with RTI were illiteracy (P < 0.05), unemployment (P < 0.05), history of RTI in patient (P = 0.001), and the presence of RTI in their partner (P < 0.05). The genital discharge was the most common presentation.

Reproductive tract infections in rural India - A population-based study.

Context:Reproductive tract infections (RTI) occupy the second position among public health problems.Aims:To find out the prevalence of RTI and its associated conditions among ever married women in the reproductive age group (15–49 years).Settings and Design:This cross-sectional study was conducted among 330 women in a rural area of Poonamallee block at Thiruvallur district in Tamil Nadu from August 2013 to January 2014.Materials and Methods:In this cross-sectional study, the selection of participants was done through cluster sampling and data on symptoms by questionnaires.Statistical Analysis Used:For descriptive prevalence, statistics was used. Using Chi-Square, categorical data were analyzed and using the odds ratio P value associations were assessed.Results:About 21% had anyone symptom of RTI. Occupation of women (OR2.0), occupation of spouse (OR1.9), anemia (OR 2.0), dysuria (OR51.5), burning micturition (OR15.9), frequency (OR3.3)/the urgency of urination (OR2.7), and incomplete urination (OR5.4)/defecation (OR3.6) were significantly associated with RTI. The prevalence rate of abnormal vaginal discharge was more (12%) than any other symptoms (each < 4%) of RTIs.Conclusions:The prevalence of RTI was high. Moreover, women with dysuria, burning micturition, incomplete urination/defecation, frequency/the urgency of urination, and anemia are at a higher risk of developing RTI.