The prevalence and associated factors of trichomonas vaginalis among women attending antenatal clinic in mulago Hospital.

Abstract

Introduction: Trichomonas vaginalis is emerging as the most common sexually transmitted disease. It is associated with a number of obstetrical complications such as preterm delivery, low birth weight and premature rupture of membranes. TV is also emerging as a major factor in increasing the predisposition of individuals to HIV infection including mother to child transmission of HIV. Infection rates with trichomoniasis in the sub Saharan African women are among the highest in the world with an estimated prevalence of 14 %. Objective: To determine the prevalence and associated factors of TV infection among women attending antenatal clinic. Methods: A cross-sectional analytic study of 320 pregnant first-visit antenatal women in Mulago Hospital were systematically sampled between February and April 2005. The main outcome measures were socio-demographic characteristics, sexual behaviour, HIV status and clinical features of TV. In addition, a vaginal examination was done and high vaginal swabs were taken for wet mount preparation and culture. Results: Of the 320 women enrolled in the study, 55 women had Trichomonas vaginalis TV was significantly associated with symptoms of vaginal discharge and Dyspareunia (pvalues<0.05) and with signs of yellow vaginal discharge, white vaginal discharge, frothy vaginal discharge, foul smell, vulval erythema, vaginal erythema, strawberry cervix and cervical erythema (p-values < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between HIV positive and negative women with TV infection. Conclusion: The prevalence of Trichomonas vaginalis among women attending antenatal clinic in Mulago Hospital was 17.2%. The high prevalence of TV in this study indicates that this infection is of public health concern. Recommendations: All pregnant women with vaginal discharge, dyspareunia, vulval erythema, vaginal erythema, strawberry cervix and cervical erythema should be screened for Trichomonas vaginalis. Routine pelvic (vaginal) examination should be performed on all first-visit antenatal mothers to assess for vaginal discharge, vaginal and cervical appearance.