Department of Community Medicine, Prathima Institute of Medical Sciences, Nagnur, Karimnagar, A P, India
Abstract
Background: Reproductive tract infections (RTI) and sexually transmitted infections (STI) are often subclinical and remain undetected. The current study aimed to estimate the burden of RTI/STI, associated symptoms, risk factors and the impact of the condition on quality of life (QOL). Methods: A community based, cross sectional study was conducted. Married women aged 18 to 49 years were selected through systematic random sampling in a rural area. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to evaluate socio-demographic characteristics, symptoms, risk factors and knowledge regarding RTI/STI. A standardized instrument from the World Health Organization (WHO-BREF) was used to measure QOL. The chi square (2) and unpaired t tests were used for statistic evaluation of results. Results: In a sample of 464 women, 60 (13%) women were symptomatic and the commonest symptom was abnormal vaginal discharge (n=54). 24 of the women had sought treatment. Age (p=0.0006) and socio-economic status (p=0.0004) were significant for an outcome of RTI/STI. Significant risk factors included lack of use of barrier contraceptives (p < 0.001), past history of infection (p < 0.001), use of reusable cloth during menstruation (p < 0.001) and presence of spousal symptoms (p < 0.001). QOL scores were impacted on all domains with significant differences. The largest mean difference was in the social relations and sexual activity domain. Conclusion: In the current study, the obtained data was a 13% prevalence of RTI/STI symptoms with a significant lack of awareness regarding occurrence and prevention among women and significant impairment on all QOL domains.
Valsangkar,S , Selvaraju,D , Rameswarapu,R and Kamutapu,S . (2014). Impairment of Quality of Life in Symptomatic Reproductive Tract Infection and Sexually Transmitted Infection. Journal of Reproduction & Infertility, 15(2), 87-93.
MLA
Valsangkar,S , , Selvaraju,D , , Rameswarapu,R , and Kamutapu,S . "Impairment of Quality of Life in Symptomatic Reproductive Tract Infection and Sexually Transmitted Infection", Journal of Reproduction & Infertility, 15, 2, 2014, 87-93.
HARVARD
Valsangkar S, Selvaraju D, Rameswarapu R, Kamutapu S. (2014). 'Impairment of Quality of Life in Symptomatic Reproductive Tract Infection and Sexually Transmitted Infection', Journal of Reproduction & Infertility, 15(2), pp. 87-93.
CHICAGO
S Valsangkar, D Selvaraju, R Rameswarapu and S Kamutapu, "Impairment of Quality of Life in Symptomatic Reproductive Tract Infection and Sexually Transmitted Infection," Journal of Reproduction & Infertility, 15 2 (2014): 87-93,
VANCOUVER
Valsangkar S, Selvaraju D, Rameswarapu R, Kamutapu S. Impairment of Quality of Life in Symptomatic Reproductive Tract Infection and Sexually Transmitted Infection. JRI. 2014;15(2):87-93.