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

Abstract

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.

Keywords

• abnormal vaginal discharge
• endogenous type of rtis
• reproductive age group women