A study on the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections among women of reproductive age, in urban slums of Guntur city

Abstract

Background: Sexually transmitted infections are a major health problem affecting women, a study conducted by National AIDS control Organization (NACO) estimated Andhra Pradesh to be having the highest percentage of individuals (22.8%) affected with HIV among those attending STI clinics, so the study conducted to know the prevalence of Sexually transmitted infections among women of reproductive age in the community. Objective: The objective of the study was to assess the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections among women of reproductive age through a syndromic approach and the various socio demographic factors associated. Materials and methods: community based cross- sectional study conducted in urban slums of Guntur city. A pre tested questionnaire was administered for information regarding socio- demographic profile and symptoms of sexually transmitted infections. Women who had symptoms of sexually transmitted infections as per the syndromic approach were examined clinically, treated and referred to government general hospital for further follow-up. Results: 520 women participated in the study. The prevalence of sexually transmitted infections in the total sample was 32.69% (n-170 of 520). The prevalence of vaginal discharge syndrome was 27.88 % (n-145of 520), genital ulcer syndrome was 1.34 %( n-7), and pain lower abdomen was 3.46 %( n-18).The prevalence of symptoms in women with STI was – 156 (91.76%, n-170) had vaginal discharge. 18(10.58%) had pain lower abdomen. 4 (2.35%) had lymphadenopathy, 4(2.35%) had burning micturition, 2(1.17%) had dyspareunia and 18(10.58%) had backache. The prevalence of STIs by clinical diagnosis on per speculum examination of the 170 women were – Bacterial vaginoses- 98(57.65%), Trichomonas vaginalis- 28(16.47%), Candidiasis- 18 (10.59%), cervicitis with PID- 9(5.29%), Herpes- 5(2.94%), syphilis- 2(1.18%) and Venereal warts- 1(0.59%). Conclusion: The prevalence of RTI/STI on the basis of self- reporting and clinical examination was 32.69%. The most common symptom was vaginal discharge 91.76%. The most common infection was bacterial vaginosis 57.65%. The younger age groups, 15- 19yrs- 53.84%were the most affected followed by the age group 20- 34yrs-33.8%. The infections were more common in women working as agriculture labor 50.55%, illiterate women 40.97%, and women of low social status,-Scheduled tribe- 63.64% & scheduled caste – 40.96%.

Keywords

• sexually transmitted infections
• syndromic approach
• social profile
• demographic variables.