Prevalence and Awareness about Chlamydial Infection in Women Undergoing Infertility Evaluation in Lagos, Nigeria

Purpose: To determine the prevalence and level of awareness of genital Chlamydia trachomatis infection and possible correlative factors among women undergoing infertility evaluation. Methods: The study involved analysis of demographics and results of chlamydia screening in 77 infertile women undergoing evaluation over a six month period in Lagos, Nigeria. Results: The mean age was 32 + 6.4 yr (range 20-39 yr). Chlamydia screening was positive in 14 (18.2%). Awareness about the existence, symptomatology, mode of infection and complications was poor. Statistically significant correlation existed between prevalence of chlamydia infection and age, previous history of sexual infection and minimum of one sexual partner in the last one year (p <0.05). The prevalence also increased in secondarily infertile and married women. Conclusion: Chlamydia prevalence was relatively high in women undergoing infertility evaluation in Lagos, with positive correlative factors being increasing age of women, previous sexual infection and one or more sexual partners. Keywords: Prevalence; Awareness; Chlamydial infection screening; Infertility; Nigeria.