A study of reproductive tract infections among pregnant women in the reproductive age group, in Urban Field Practice Area in Hubli, Karnataka, India

Background: Reproductive tract infections (RTIs) is a global health problem including both sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and non-sexually transmitted infections (non-STIs) of the reproductive tract. The risk of RTIs in pregnant women includes post abortal and puerperal sepsis to fetal and perinatal deaths. Hence a community study was done in Hubli, in terms of active search of the cases among pregnant women with feasible laboratory tests for RTI and thereby providing treatment, counseling and follow-up. Objectives: 1. To know the prevalence of RTIs using feasible laboratory tests among reproductive age group, pregnant women. 2. To find the socio-demographic factors influencing RTIs in pregnant women. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was done using a simple random sampling technique to select households. A pre-tested structured proforma was used to collect data on socio-demographic and reproductive characteristics. Specimens were collected for laboratory analyses of Gonorrhea, Trichomoniasis, Vaginal Candidiasis (VC), Bacterial vaginosis (BV) and Syphilis in Urban Health Training Centre (UHTC), attached to Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), Hubli. Results: In all 51.3% of the women were diagnosed as having an RTI, including 8.9% with sexually transmitted infections. Endogenous infections were most prevalent (VC 35.9%, BV 6.4%), followed by Syphilis 5.1%, Trichomoniasis 3.8% and Gonorrhea 0%. Conclusion: In this study, the prevalence of RTI among pregnant women is high and steps should be taken for appropriate management of these cases, to reduce further risk of transmission of HIV/AIDS. This study suggests for integrating RTI/STI services into primary health care in order to know the true prevalence of RTI/STI in the community. The study also highlights the need for the introduction and/or strengthening of facilities for simple diagnostic tests for RTIs/STIs, especially at the peripheral healthcare level.