Symptoms Of Reproductive Tract Infections Research Articles

Prevalence of genital infections among women in reproductive age group in a rural area in North Kerala

Background: Genital infections, a major cause of illness among women in reproductive age group, affect their quality of life and social living. Early diagnosis and treatment of STI/RTI is also an important aspect in prevention of HIV transmission. As there are only a handful of studies in Kerala and none in Kannur assessing the prevalence, associated factors of genital infections and health seeking behaviour among women in reproductive age group, this study stands important.Methods: A community based descriptive study was conducted in Kulappuram area of Cheruthazham Panchayat which is the field practice area of Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College, Kannur, Pariyaram from June, 2017 – July, 2018. A total of 404 women in reproductive a group were studied. A semi-structured, pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect relevant information. Data was analyzed using SPSS-version 19 software.Results: The mean age of the study population was 32.20±10.741years. 52.7% of the study population had genital infection, with 40.6% having symptoms of Reproductive Tract Infections (RTI) and 12.1%, symptoms of Urinary tract Infections (UTI). The presence of these was significantly associated with menstrual disorders, cloth as menstrual pad users, marriage, sexual activity and absence of infertility. Only 39.0% of the women with infections had sought treatment.Conclusions: Although there was high prevalence of genital infections among the study population, treatment seeking behaviour was very low. There is a need for sustained motivation and support to promote women to seek timely medical care than to suffer silently.

Knowledge about reproductive tract infections and sex work among female textile workers in Surat, India

In this qualitative study, we investigated knowledge about reproductive tract infections (RTIs) and commercial sex work among female textile workers of Surat, India. We analyzed data from three focus groups conducted with 18 women using content analysis. Participants had some knowledge about the symptoms of RTIs; however, they had limited knowledge about RTI prevention, transmission, and treatment. None used condoms consistently for RTI prevention. The women attributed economic hardship as one of the main reasons for engaging in commercial sex work. Our study is one of the first to evaluate sexual and reproductive health among female textile workers in India.

Menstrual hygiene practices of women in a rural area of Kancheepuram district, India: a cross sectional study

Background: Menstruation is a normal biological function in females and in the society, the practices followed are highly variable across different regions. This study aimed to determine the practices followed during menstruation by rural women in Kancheepuram district, Tamil Nadu, India.Methods: This community based cross sectional study was carried out between August and October 2018. Sample size of 400 was calculated by using formula 4pq/d2 and female respondents were selected from sampled households using systematic random sampling. Data were collected using a pre-tested, structured questionnaire, which were analysed using SPSS version 16.0 and presented using descriptive and analytical statistics.Results: A total of 395 women were included in the study. About 54% of females belonged to the age group of 26-35 years and 82.5% were married. Use of sanitary pads during menstruation was reported by 28.6% of the females. Other absorbents used were disposable cloths (46.3%) and reusable cloths (25.1%). About 79% of females practiced some form of restriction during menstruation. Females aged <35 years (OR: 2.55, 95% CI: 1.48-4.39) were more likely to use sanitary pad compared to older females. Females who used sanitary pad as absorbent were less likely to have symptoms of reproductive tract infections compared to those who didn’t (OR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.28-0.94).Conclusions: Menstrual hygiene practices were found be unsatisfactory among the rural women and various restrictions during menstruation were also in practice. Women should be educated about the importance of use of sanitary pads and the harms of using cloths. Awareness also needs to be created to abolish the unnecessary restrictions that are imposed on women to be followed during menstruation.

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.

Study of reproductive hygiene among married women at urban field practice area, Dharwad

Background: Women have to be assessed at every stage of her life to lead a healthy lifestyle free from diseases such as reproductive tract infections (RTI) and sexually transmitted infections, which can be easily prevented by good reproductive hygiene practices. There is a paramount need to address these problems at the earliest as they are increasing rapidly. This study was conducted to ascertain the practices of personal, menstrual and sexual hygiene among married women of reproductive age group, to determine the early symptoms of RTI’s in them and to determine association with key demographic variables and symptoms of RTI’s.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among married women of reproductive age group visiting the urban health centre, Dharwad using semistructured questionnaire after taking informed consent from them. Data were analyzed using SPSS. Frequencies and Chi-square tests were applied.Results: All the study participants practiced good personal hygiene practices. 59% of study participants used sanitary pads.78% washed their external genitalia during menstruation. 86% washed their genitalia after sexual intercourse. Backache (31%) was the most common symptom of RTI. Significant association was found between age and boils in the vaginal area (p=&lt;0.01), age and low backache (p=0.013) and age and pain during coitus (p=0.006).Conclusions: In our study most of them were aware of the correct hygienic practices. Backache is the most common symptom of RTI among them. Couples have to be educated on reproductive hygiene to prevent infections.

Association between unhygienic menstrual management practices and prevalence of lower reproductive tract infections: a hospital-based cross-sectional study in Odisha, India

BackgroundThe extent to which reproductive tract infections (RTIs) are associated with poor menstrual hygiene management (MHM) practices has not been extensively studied. We aimed to determine whether poor menstrual hygiene practices were associated with three common infections of the lower reproductive tract; Bacterial vaginosis (BV), Candida, and Trichomonas vaginalis (TV).MethodsNon-pregnant women of reproductive age (18–45 years) and attending one of two hospitals in Odisha, India, between April 2015 and February 2016 were recruited for the study. A standardized questionnaire was used to collect information on: MHM practices, clinical symptoms for the three infections, and socio-economic and demographic information. Specimens from posterior vaginal fornix were collected using swabs for diagnosis of BV, Candida and TV infection.ResultsA total of 558 women were recruited for the study of whom 62.4% were diagnosed with at least one of the three tested infections and 52% presented with one or more RTI symptoms. BV was the most prevalent infection (41%), followed by Candida infection (34%) and TV infection (5.6%). After adjustment for potentially confounding factors, women diagnosed with Candida infection were more likely to use reusable absorbent material (aPRR = 1.54, 95%CI 1.2–2.0) and practice lower frequency of personal washing (aPRR = 1.34, 95%CI 1.07–1.7). Women with BV were more likely to practice personal washing less frequently (aPRR = 1.25, 95%CI 1.0–1.5), change absorbent material outside a toilet facility (aPRR = 1.21, 95%CI 1.0–1.48) whilst a higher frequency of absorbent material changing was protective (aPRR = 0.56, 95%CI 0.4–0.75). No studied factors were found to be associated with TV infection. In addition, among women reusing absorbent material, Candida but not BV or TV - infection was more frequent who dried their pads inside their houses and who stored the cloth hidden in the toilet compartment.ConclusionThe results of our study add to growing number of studies which demonstrate a strong and consistent association between poor menstrual hygiene practices and higher prevalence of lower RTIs.

Prevalence of reproductive tract infection symptoms and treatment-seeking behavior among women: A community-based study.

Introduction:Reproductive tract infection (RTI) is a public health problem affecting women's health, especially in developing country like India. The associated stigma with this reproductive morbidity is often a deterrent in seeking health care.Aims and Objectives:The aim was to study the prevalence of RTI symptoms and treatment-seeking behavior among married women of reproductive age group.Methodology:It was a community-based cross-sectional study. A total of 276 women were interviewed in the community by trained medical social workers. RTI symptoms were defined according to the syndromic case management guideline developed by the World Health Organization. Statistical analysis was performed using the Epi Info software for Windows (CDC Atlanta).Results:About one-third (98/276; 35.5%) of women reported symptoms suggestive of RTI. The most commonly experienced symptoms were foul-smelling vaginal discharge (68/98; 69.4%) followed by lower abdominal pain not associated with menstruation (51/98; 52.0%). Around half of those having RTI symptoms sought treatment for their problem (57.1%).Conclusion:Health-care professionals in India should focus on strengthening women knowledge of RTI symptoms and encouraging them to seek health care.

Reproductive tract infections: a self-reported community based study in urban training health centre area of a tertiary care hospital in Kottayam, Kerala, India

Background: The burden of reproductive tract infections (RTI) among urban women in the reproductive age group (15-49 years) is usually a hidden issue. Earlier studies from Kerala mainly focused on reproductive morbidity among commercial sex workers. A cross-sectional study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of RTI and its association with potential socio-demographic risk factors, based on self reported symptoms among females in the age group 15- 49 years in the Urban training Health Centre field practice area of Government Medical College, Kottayam. Methods: The study was conducted among 643 women of the reproductive age group by single stage cluster sampling technique. A pretested semi structured interview schedule was used for collecting data on the socio demographic profile, clinical symptoms and associated factors after obtaining informed consent. Univariate analysis was done to find association of RTI with various factors followed by a bivariate analysis using binary logistic regression model. Results: The prevalence of RTI was 11.8%. RTI was significantly associated with age at marriage (p=0.02), age at first child birth (p=0.01), type of family (p=0.002), female education (p=0.001), socioeconomic status (p=0.007) and previous history of RTI in last one year (p&lt;0.01) of which 84.1% women with symptoms of RTI had consulted a health personnel. Conclusions: A low prevalence of self reported symptoms of RTI with a high treatment seeking behavior was observed; attributed to the high female literacy. A comparable prevalence in younger age group of 15-24 years (10.9%) and 25-39 years (12.9%) suggesting equal susceptibility of adolescents to RTI was a notable finding.

Mental Wellbeing and Self-reported Symptoms of Reproductive Tract Infections among Girls

This study examined the self-reported mental wellbeing among slum-dwelling adolescents in Western India and asked whether adolescent postmenarcheal girls’ mental wellbeing and self-reported symptoms suggestive of reproductive tract infections (RTIs) were associated. A sub-section of a cross-sectional personal interview survey among unmarried 10–18-year-old adolescents (n= 85) in a slum in the city of Nashik was analyzed. Logistic regression models were used to assess the associations between sociodemographic variables, physical health indicators, and adolescent postmenarcheal girls’ mental wellbeing. Nearly every other postmenarcheal girl reported having experienced symptoms suggestive of RTIs during the last twelve months. Adolescent postmenarcheal girls’ mental health and some aspects of somatic health appear to be closely interrelated. Understanding the relationship between adolescent mental wellbeing and reproductive health in low-income countries requires further investigation. Health service development in growing informal urban agglomerations in India and beyond should provide combined mental and reproductive health services for adolescents.&#x0D;

From menarche to menopause: A population-based assessment of water, sanitation, and hygiene risk factors for reproductive tract infection symptoms over life stages in rural girls and women in India.

Women face greater challenges than men in accessing water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) resources to address their daily needs, and may respond to these challenges by adopting unsafe practices that increase the risk of reproductive tract infections (RTIs). WASH practices may change as women transition through socially-defined life stage experiences, like marriage and pregnancy. Thus, the relationship between WASH practices and RTIs might vary across female reproductive life stages. This cross-sectional study assessed the relationship between WASH exposures and self-reported RTI symptoms in 3,952 girls and women from two rural districts in India, and tested whether social exposures represented by reproductive life stage was an effect modifier of associations. In fully adjusted models, RTI symptoms were less common in women using a latrine without water for defecation versus open defecation (Odds Ratio (OR) = 0.69; Confidence Interval (CI) = 0.48, 0.98) and those walking shorter distances to a bathing location (OR = 0.79, CI = 0.63, 0.99), but there was no association between using a latrine with a water source and RTIs versus open defecation (OR = 1.09; CI = 0.69, 1.72). Unexpectedly, RTI symptoms were more common for women bathing daily with soap (OR = 6.55, CI = 3.60, 11.94) and for women washing their hands after defecation with soap (OR = 10.27; CI = 5.53, 19.08) or ash/soil/mud (OR = 6.02; CI = 3.07, 11.77) versus water only or no hand washing. WASH practices of girls and women varied across reproductive life stages, but the associations between WASH practices and RTI symptoms were not moderated by or confounded by life stage status. This study provides new evidence that WASH access and practices are associated with self-reported reproductive tract infection symptoms in rural Indian girls and women from different reproductive life stages. However, the counterintuitive directions of effect for soap use highlights that causality and mechanisms of effect cannot be inferred from this study design. Future research is needed to understand whether improvements in water and sanitation access could improve the practice of safe hygiene behaviors and reduce the global burden of RTIs in women.

A study to assess the knowledge regarding practices of menstrual hygiene and RTI among high and higher secondary school girls: an educational interventional study

Background: Menstruation still a taboo subject to whisper and so, more difficult to discuss the hygiene, practices, perception and myth associated with it. The very ancient socio -cultural restrictions still play a major role in plenty of reproductive tract infections left undiagnosed. Thus resulting in the potential loss of economy in terms of GDP, medical costs, and status of health. The objectives of the study were to assess the awareness, source of information and problems regarding menstrual hygiene at pre-questionnaire stage and to compare the assessment of awareness at post questionnaire stage after educational intervention provided among the study group; to find out the mean age of menarche among the study group; to find out the knowledge regarding symptoms of reproductive tract infections among the study group; to inculcate safe hygienic practices during menstruation so as to percolate the same during reproductive episodes e.g. termination of pregnancy or uterine bleeding etc. Methods: Convenient sampling with Semi-structured questionnaire method. A girls’ government school chosen for the study with 197 girls including class standard 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th. After the session of pre questionnaire, all girls were included in the study who were present on the day. Results: On statistical analysis, mean age of menarche among girls is 13.5 years. Data regarding awareness level found statistically significant after the completion of study. Conclusions: Satisfactory improvement in hygiene level found post intervention. It could be implied on massive level in all the schools in country. In conformity with, Indian government also came up with the programme of provision of free sanitary pads in government schools.

Spatial analysis of the regional variation of reproductive tract infections and spousal migration correlates in Nepal.

Nepal has a diverse geographic landscape that could potentially create clustered subpopulations with regional socio-cultures that could result in differential health outcomes. With an alarming rise in married male populations migrating for work, it is possible that these migrants are engaged in risky sexual behaviour, putting their wives at risk for infectious disease outcomes, including reproductive tract infections (RTI), when they return home. The prevalence of male migration varies by geographic region in Nepal and this variation could potentially contribute to different RTI rates. Using a cross-sectional dataset (the 2011 Nepal Demographic and Health Survey) including 9607 married women, we investigated geospatial and socio-cultural factors associated with the symptoms of RTIs with a focus on the husbands' migration status. Choropleth maps were created to illustrate areas with high percentages of RTIs that correlated with migration patterns. Overall, 31.9% of the husbands were migrating for work. After adjusting for wealth, contraception use, age at first marriage, urban/rural status and husband's education, women whose husbands had been absent for a year or more in Nepal's Mid-West region (OR 1.93 95%, CI 1.02-3.67) or Far-West region (OR 2.89 95%, CI 1.24-6.73) were more likely to report RTI-like symptoms than others. Our results suggest a potential association between husbands' migration status and Nepali women reporting RTI symptoms by geographic regions. However, further research is needed to put this outcome on a stronger footing with respect to this under-studied population, specifically in the context of geographical variation.

Prevalence of symptoms of reproductive tract infections among married reproductive age group women in selected rural areas of Hassan, Karnataka, India

Background: STI/RTIs have been recognized as major public and reproductive health challenges worldwide. In developing countries, RTI/STIs are the second or third most common public health problem of young people. A variety of factors that put women at risk of reproductive tract infection, such as socio- economic, demographic, sexual, medical, behavioral practices, personal hygiene behavior have not been adequately explored in India. An objective of the study was to estimate prevalence of STI/RTI among married reproductive age group women in selected CHCs/PHCs of Hassan District and to understand the influence of various factors on STI/RTI among women.Methods: A community based cross sectional study undertaken over a period of 3 months from May 2016 to July 2016, in rural areas of Hassan. Total of 400 married women in the age group 15-49 years were included in the study. Household survey was done in the selected clusters till 20 women per cluster were identified. Married women of reproductive age group of 15 to 49 years, residing in the study area for past 6 months were included in the study. Results: The prevalence of STI/RTI among married reproductive women was 32%. Prevalence of vaginal discharge decreased with an increase in age, level of education and income. RTI/STI was observed to be higher in scheduled castes and tribes (35.8% and 33.3%) respectively. Conclusions: Health education regarding the risk factors of unhygienic menstrual practices, non-institutional deliveries and illegal abortions must be imparted to the women in the study area in order to bring about a behavioral change to protect them from RTI/STI.

The effect of health education guidelines on women suffering from reproductive tract infections for seeking health care services

Background: The most important period in the life span of women is the reproductive period, which extends from menarche to menopause. Reproductive tract infections are endemic in developing countries and having a large burden on the society. Aim: to determine the effect of health education guidelines on women suffering from reproductive tract infections for seeking health care services. Materials and Method: A Quasi experimental research design was used to achieve the aim of the present study. The study was conducted at the gynecological outpatient & family planning clinics of Zagazig University hospital and Al-Ahrar hospital at Zagazig. A purposive sample composed of 200 women and who were fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Structured interview related to reproductive tract infections symptoms. Women knowledge regarding reproductive tract infections Barriers of seeking health care services for women suffering from reproductive tract infections. Health education guidelines for women suffering from reproductive tract infections. The results: There is a significant improvement of the women knowledge regarding most of the studied items in relation to RTIs immediately after health education guidelines. Conclusion: Health education guidelines regarding reproductive tract infections were effective in increasing women knowledge level after health education guidelines. The major barriers for not seeking health care services for women suffering from reproductive tract infections were the perception of symptoms as normal, shyness of genital examination or explain their symptoms, family responsibilities, the husband neglecting to the health of his wife, lack of awareness about RTIs and privacy. Recommendations: Health education to all women attending MCH and family planning services about reproductive tract infections and how can prevent. Furthermore, instruct women about early attending to seek medical care services if any symptoms of reproductive tract infections appear.

A hospital-based study on association between reproductive tract infections and abortions

Background: Iatrogenic reproductive tract infections (RTIs) are more common where health-care providers do not have the training or provisions to carry out procedures without harm. Objective: To explore the relationship between RTIs and abortions. Materials and Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted during January to March 2012 in STI/RTI Clinic located in urban slums of Mumbai, India, involving total 273 married females of reproductive age group who presented with symptoms of RTI. Tool for interview was the questionnaire about sociodemographic profile, detail history regarding abortions, and symptoms of the participants. Disease-specific laboratory methods were used to confirm diagnosis of RTI. Result: The study findings showed proportion of the abortions were more with increasing age. Totally, 11 (61.1%) participants were living in three-generation type of family; only 30 (36.1%) of the participants who were educated up to higher secondary level showed less number of abortions, and 34 (60.7%) participants were belonging to class V showed history of abortion. Of total RTIs, 44.69% were mucopurulent cervicitis, followed by candidiasis and nonspecific vaginitis, with less proportion of gonococcal infections, syphilis, and herpetic ulcers. About 81.30% participants were presented with RTI who showed history of abortion and 83.7% who experienced RTI had undergone induced type of abortion and showed statistically significant association between RTI and method of induced abortion; but, the association between the place of induced abortion and RTI was statistically not significant. Conclusion: The results revealed an association between abortions and RTI.

A Qualitative Study on Health Perception and Practices Related to Reproductive Tract Infections in Urban Slum Women

Every year an estimation of about 50 million women are affected by reproductive morbidity, and at least 18 millions of them, these morbidities become long term and are often deliberating. As women's perception of illness influences their behaviour, it is important to understand their perceptions and practices to design effective intervention or to plan a strategy. Ten focus group discussions were held with 109 participants from different socio-economic diversity. Methods focused on understanding experiences, practices, perception, beliefs, health-seeking behaviour of women related to reproductive health and especially reproductive tract infections (RTIs). Qualitative thematic analysis technique was used for analysis. The major finding was, participants had poor knowledge about symptoms and causes of RTI. Several types of food, family planning method, and menstrual unhygiene were believed to be the cause of RTI. Vaginal discharge was perceived as most common symptom of RTI. The common treatment seeking behaviour was self-mediation through pharmacies or use of home remedies. Absence of female doctor, shyness for genital examination, financial constraint, gender inequalities, burden of responsibilities and decision-making were barriers identified for seeking treatment. As participants demonstrated limited knowledge and variety of misconception, raising awareness regarding symptoms of RTI remains the priority.

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Reproductive Tract Infections in Gongolia Village, Rupandehi District, Nepal

Objective. To determine the prevalence of reproductive tract infection (RTI) and its associated factors among married women of reproductive age group (15–49 yrs). Method. A cross sectional approach was employed. The study collected data of symptoms suggestive of RTI experienced in the previous six months according to World Health Organization (WHO) syndromic approach guideline. A structured interviewer administered questionnaire was used to collect data and data were entered into EPI data and transferred into SPSS (16 version) for further analysis. Chi square was used for statistical analysis. Result. Among 258 married women the prevalence of symptoms suggestive of RTI was found to be 39.9%. Low back pain, vaginal discharge, and low abdominal pains were common symptoms reported in study. Irregular menstrual cycle, sexual contact during menstruation, marriage below 19 yrs, pregnancy below 20 yrs, high parity, delivery at home, and use of temporary family planning device were significant risk factors for prevalence of RTI symptoms. Conclusion. RTI still remains neglected by married women. Training and education session needs to be carried out to identify the early symptoms of RTI. Awareness about marriage and pregnancy after 19 yrs of age, sex education, delivery at health institution by health personnel, menstrual and personnel hygiene, and use of the condom are needed for prevention of RTI.

Menstrual hygiene practices and its association with reproductive tract infections and abnormal vaginal discharge among women in India

ObjectiveThe objective was to explore the determinants of menstrual hygienic practices and its effect on Reproductive Tract Infections (RTI) among ever married women in India. MethodsDistrict Level Household and Facility Survey-3 (DLHS) India data have been used in the study. The respondents constituted ever married women (N = 577,758) in the age group of 15–49. Bivariate and multivariate techniques were employed using IBM SPSS statistics 20. Individual effects of socio economic, demographic and gynecological factors on menstrual hygienic practices, RTIs and abnormal vaginal discharged respectively were calculated using binary logistic regression. ResultsA meager 15% of women used sanitary pad/locally prepared napkins during menstruation in India. Both RTI and Vaginal discharge were positively related with non-use of hygienic methods. The women who used unhygienic method during menstruation were more likely to have any symptom of RTI (OR = 1.046, p < 0.001, CI = 1.021–1.071) and vaginal discharge (OR = 1.303, p < 0.001, CI = 1.266–1.341). ConclusionThe reason for the symptoms of RTI may be diverse and not only limited to the unhygienic menstrual practices although this may be one of the reasons causing reproductive morbidity. Awareness, affordability and privacy are some of the major concerns that need immediate attention to promote the use of sanitary pad during the time of menstruation. Establishing relation between menstrual practices and RTI is in its initial stage of investigation and hence needs further research

Prevalence and awareness of reproductive tract infections among women in select underprivileged areas of Bangalore city

Background: Reproductive tract infections (RTIs) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) present a huge burden of disease and adversely impact reproductive health of people. They are more common in developing countries than developed. Objective: (1) To study the awareness, prevalence, and factors associated with RTIs among women aged 15–49 years residing in two slum areas of Bangalore city. (2) To assess the treatment seeking behavior for symptoms suggestive of RTIs in the past 1 year. Materials and Methods: Using systematic random sampling, 470 women of age group 15–49 years were studied from June 2010 to September 2011. Data were collected using a structured pretested questionnaire at their houses. Result: A total of 29.15% women had symptom suggestive of RTIs. White discharge was reported by 17.45%, genital skin infections by 14.47%, lower abdominal pain by 9.15%, complain of genital ulcer reported in 0.21%, and none complained of inguinal bubo. Symptoms of RTI were higher in young, Muslim women, those with higher education and poor menstrual hygiene. Only 62 (45.25%) symptomatic women had sought some form of treatment. Private doctors were preferred by 87% of women who sought treatment and only 6.7% went to government doctors. None had adequate knowledge regarding RTIs and 324 (68.93%) women had some knowledge. Conclusion: About one-third of the women had experienced at least one symptom of RTI in the past 1 year. Women in reproductive age group showed very poor awareness regarding RTI and poor treatment seeking behavior for the same.

A systematic review on the prevalence and utilization of health care services for reproductive tract infections/sexually transmitted infections: Evidence from India.

Several studies have reported prevalence rate of reproductive tract infections (RTIs) but very few studies have described health seeking behavior of patients. This paper critically looks at and summarizes the available evidence, systematically. A structured search strategy was used to identify relevant articles, published during years 2000-2012. Forty-one full-text papers discussing prevalence and treatment utilization pattern were included as per PRISMA guidelines. Papers examining prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases used biochemical methods and standard protocol for diagnosis while studies on RTIs used different methods for diagnosis. The prevalence of RTIs has not changed much over the years and found to vary from 11% to 72% in the community-based studies. Stigma, embarrassment, illiteracy, lack of privacy, cost of care found to limit the use of services, but discussion on pathways of nonutilization remains unclear. Lack of methodological rigor, statistical power, specificity in case definitions as well as too little discussion on the limitation of selected method of diagnosis and reliance on observational evidence hampered the quality of studies on RTIs. Raising awareness among women regarding symptoms of RTIs and sexually transmitted infections and also about appropriate treatment has remained largely a neglected area and, therefore, we observed absence of health system studies in this area.