[Prevalence study of sexually transmitted infections in the voluntary interruption of pregnancy].

Abstract

Introduction: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) affect sexual health and most cases are asymptomatic. The voluntary termination of pregnancy (VTP) care setting could be an opportunity to offer and perform STI screening tests. This study seeks to determine the prevalence of STIs in women who consult for VTP and to explore the association between STIs and sociodemographic variables.

Materials and methods: Between April 2022 and June 2023, an observational, analytical, prospective, and cross-sectional study with an interdisciplinary approach was conducted. Women with =14.6 weeks of gestation who consulted for VTP were invited to participate. HIV, HCV, HBV, -and syphilis test were performed. Endocervical swabs were taken for the detection of Trichomonas vaginalis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Chlamydia trachomatis.

Results: Of 662 women who consulted for VTP, 160 (24.2%) decided to participate. A total of 154 cases were analyzed, identifying 36 cases of STI (23.38%). Within this group, 24 cases were new diagnoses (66.7%). In the subgroup of 24 new cases of STI, 27 new infections were detected, of which 13 corresponded to Chlamydia trachomatis, 8 to Trichomonas vaginalis and 6 to Syphilis (4 new diagnoses of syphilis and 2 reinfections). Three cases with co-infections were identified.

Discussion: Despite the lack of significant associations in identified sociodemographic variables, the prevalence rate highlights the need to implement new strategies for the detection of STIs in this population.