Trichomoniasis Infection and Associated Risk Factors Among Women of Reproductive Age in Nepalgunj Medical College Teaching Hospital, Kohalpur, Banke.

Abstract

Background: Trichomonas vaginalis is a flagellated, protozoan parasite causing a curable sexually transmitted disease, trichomoniasis. The prevalence of the infection has been increasing globally and nationally, although epidemiological studies are scarce in Nepal. Objective: This study is aimed at evaluating the prevalence of trichomoniasis and its associated risk factors among women of reproductive age visiting the gynecological outpatient department of Nepalgunj Medical College Teaching Hospital, Kohalpur, Banke. Methods: The study was conducted among 290 women of reproductive age attending the hospital's Gynecology Outpatient Department (GOPD). Structured questionnaires were employed for data collection on demographic, clinical characteristics, and associated risk factors. Participants were included using consecutive sampling techniques. A vaginal swab sample was collected using a sterile cotton swab and tested using a direct wet mount. Data analysis was performed using R Core Team (2023), employing bivariate and multivariate approaches. Statistical significance was determined by p value < 0.05, with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Result: The overall prevalence of trichomoniasis was 13.79% (95% CI, 9.52-18.07). The higher prevalence was found among women aged 36-45 years (17.46%), with school-level education (16.50%), married (14.23%), municipality residents (14.69%), and working women (24.56%). In the multivariate analysis, women engaged in occupations outside the home (e.g., laborers) had significantly higher odds of trichomoniasis compared to housewives or students (adjusted odd ratio (aOR): 9.36; 95% CI: 2.82-31.06). No other sociodemographic or behavioral characteristics remained significantly associated after adjustment. Clinical symptoms independently associated with the infection included elevated body temperature (> 98.6°F) (aOR: 15.89; 95% CI: 5.07-49.76), greenish vaginal discharge (aOR: 7.49; 95% CI: 2.73-20.54), and foul-smelling discharge (aOR: 10.18; 95% CI: 3.34-31.03). Conclusion: This study revealed a higher prevalence of T. vaginalis among women of reproductive age, specifically those who engaged in occupations outside the home (e.g., laborers). This could lead to other complications; hence, routine screening regardless of symptoms and awareness campaigns to the general public are advised to minimize the risk of infection.