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Kasprowicz D, Wilczyńska W, Korzeniewski K. Health Status of Tsimihety Women: Sexually Transmitted Infections and Schistosomiasis, Northern Madagascar. J Clin Med 2025; 14:3479. [PMID: 40429474 PMCID: PMC12112717 DOI: 10.3390/jcm14103479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2025] [Revised: 05/12/2025] [Accepted: 05/14/2025] [Indexed: 05/29/2025] Open
Abstract
Background: Madagascar is one of the lowest-income countries in Africa, and it has a poorly developed healthcare system. Malagasy women face limited access to sexual and reproductive health services, which is a serious risk factor facilitating the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence of STIs (Trichomonas vaginalis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Treponema pallidum, and HIV-1/HIV-2) and urogenital schistosomiasis, as well as to evaluate hematological parameters and nutritional status, in a group of women from northern Madagascar. Methods: The study was conducted in April 2024 at the Clinique Médicale Beyzym in Manerinerina, Ambatoboeny District. Samples, which included overnight urine, venous blood, and vaginal swabs, were collected from 159 women aged 15-80 years. The urine samples were examined for the presence of Schistosoma haematobium eggs by light microscopy, the vaginal swabs were tested for the presence of Trichomonas vaginalis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections (by light microscopy), and venous blood samples were collected into VACUTAINER SEC collection tubes without anticoagulant and were tested for HIV-1/HIV-2 and Treponema pallidum infections using test cassettes. Results: The prevalence of STIs in the study group was found to be 31.5%, while S. haematobium infections were found in 17.6% of the tested women. Cases of gonorrhea (20.1%), trichomoniasis (8.8%), syphilis (7.6%), and one case of HIV infection were identified. Conclusions: The study found a high prevalence of STIs and S. haematobium cases in Tsimihety women. In order to improve the quality of healthcare in Madagascar, it is necessary to improve accessibility to maternal, sexual, and reproductive health services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Kasprowicz
- Clinique Medicale Beyzym, Manerinerina, Ambatoboeny District, Manerinerina 403, Madagascar;
| | - Wanesa Wilczyńska
- Department of Epidemiology and Tropical Medicine, Military Institute of Medicine—National Research Institute, 04-141 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Krzysztof Korzeniewski
- Department of Epidemiology and Tropical Medicine, Military Institute of Medicine—National Research Institute, 04-141 Warsaw, Poland;
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Mukavhanyedzi D, Rukasha I. Sexually transmitted pathogens in asymptomatic women at Rethabile clinic, Limpopo, South Africa. S Afr J Infect Dis 2024; 39:618. [PMID: 39650258 PMCID: PMC11622116 DOI: 10.4102/sajid.v39i1.618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 08/04/2024] [Indexed: 12/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Health care for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is often inadequate, especially for women, because of the asymptomatic nature of many STIs, which can lead to a false sense of health. Thus, there is limited data on the prevalence of STIs in pregnant women in low and middle-income countries. Objectives The study aimed to determine the prevalence of STIs in asymptomatic pregnant women attending antenatal Rethabile Community Health Centre, Limpopo, South Africa. Method A cross-sectional analysis of asymptomatic pregnant women at Rethabile Community Health Centre between March 2023 and November 2023 was conducted to determine the prevalence of seven STIs, detected from self-collected vaginal swab specimens using HAIN fluoroType STI-multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test for nine targets covering seven major STIs. Results The study found that Ureaplasma urealyticum was the most prevalent pathogen (43%) followed by Chlamydia trachomatis (41%), and Trichomonas vaginalis (10%). The less common pathogens detected were Mycoplasma Genitalium (5%) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (2%). Conclusion High STI prevalence among asymptomatic pregnant women at Rethabile Community Health Centre necessitates diagnostic screening over syndromic management because of a lack of reporting for symptoms. Contribution The paper examines the epidemiology of STIs in Limpopo, South Africa, focusing on healthy, asymptomatic populations. It emphasises the need for laboratory screening, particularly in pregnant women, over empiric treatment because of high chances of missing infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dembe Mukavhanyedzi
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Limpopo, Polokwane, South Africa
| | - Ivy Rukasha
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Limpopo, Polokwane, South Africa
- Department of Microbiology, National Health Laboratory Service, Polokwane, South Africa
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Kinfe B, Abate HM, Mankelkl G. Determinants of self-reported sexually transmitted infections among reproductive age women in Senegal: evidenced by Senegal demographic and health survey. Contracept Reprod Med 2024; 9:53. [PMID: 39478592 PMCID: PMC11526574 DOI: 10.1186/s40834-024-00318-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2024] [Accepted: 10/22/2024] [Indexed: 11/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Globally, access to sexual and reproductive health is a significant public health issue for women of the reproductive age group. Senegal is a low-income country with limited access to reproductive health services, such as in the prevention and treatment of STIs. The prevention and treatment of STIs is one of the goals set by the government to decrease reproductive health-related morbidity and mortality among women. So, the main objective of this research was to evaluate the prevalence's and determinant of self-reported sexually transmitted infections among reproductive-age women. METHODS Data from the 2023 Senegal Demographic and Health Survey datasets were used for secondary data analysis. A total of 16,583 women of reproductive age participated in the study. Bivariate analysis was employed in order to select the factors for multivariate analysis. In the multivariate analysis, variables with p < 0.05 significance levels were considered to be significant predictors of sexually transmitted infections among reproductive-age women. Finally, the percentage and odd ratio, together with their 95% confidence intervals, were reported. RESULTS The prevalence of sexually transmitted infection among women was 3.21% with a 95 CI. [2.95-3.49] in the last 12 months. Being between the age range of 20 and 44 years old; attending higher education [AOR: 2.70, 95% CI (1.74, 4.19); P = 0.0001]; women who were never in union [AOR: 0.09, 95% CI (0.046, 0.17); P = 0.001] were positively associated with sexually transmitted infections among women. In contrast to this, living in Louga [AOR: 0.41, 95% CI (0.23,0.69); P = 0.001]; Fatick [AOR: 0.33, 95% CI (0.18,0.61); P = 0.0001]; Kolda [AOR: 0.23, 95% CI (0.11,0.49); P = 0.0001]; Kedougou [AOR: 0.34, 95% CI (0.17,0.68); P = 0.002]; and Sedhiou [AOR: 0.43, 95% CI (0.23,0.79); P = 0.007] and women who had history terminated pregnancy [AOR: 1.27, 95% CI (1.03,1.58); P = 0.023] were negatively associated with sexually transmitted infections among women. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS Women's sexually transmitted infection has been associated with sociodemographic and geographic determinants such as the age of the woman, region, educational status, marital status, and history of terminated pregnancy. Therefore, to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections among women, the governments of Senegal and other concerned stakeholders should give special attention to women by addressing sociodemographic and geographic determinants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beletu Kinfe
- Department of occupational Health and safety, College of Medicine and Health Science, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia.
| | - Habtemariam Mulugeta Abate
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Science, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Gosa Mankelkl
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Science, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia.
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Demissie E, Amare A, Birhanu M, Gizachew M. Neisseria gonorrhoeae antimicrobial resistance patterns and associated risk factors in women of childbearing potential in northwestern Ethiopia. BMC Womens Health 2024; 24:82. [PMID: 38297305 PMCID: PMC10829321 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-024-02898-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUNDS Neisseria gonorrhoeae causes gonorrhea and poses public health problems, including antimicrobial resistance. Current data on gonorrhea in prenatal participants in the study area are required. Thus, we aimed to identify gonorrhea prevalence, antimicrobial resistance, and risk factors among antenatal care clinic visitors in northwestern Ethiopia. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to August 2022 at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. We recruited 278 study participants using convenient sampling techniques. Sociodemographic, clinical and behavioral risk factors were recorded using pre-tested questionnaires. Endocervical swabs were collected by a physician, transported to the microbiology laboratory, immediately inoculated into modified Thayer-Martin medium, and it was incubated at 37 °C for 24-48 hours. Gram staining and biochemical tests were used to identify the organism. AMR testing was performed using disc diffusion and E-test methods. Data were entered in EPI-info version 7 and exported and analyzed in SPSS version 26. A p-value ≤0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results were presented in words, tables and figure. RESULTS Of 278 subjects enrolled, majority (44.6%) were 26-35 years, with a mean age of 29.9 (SD = ±7.2) years, 69.4% were urban residents, and 70.5% were married. Twenty-one (7.6%) participants had gonorrhea. Overall antimicrobial resistance ranged from 19 to 100%. High resistant to tetracycline (100%) and penicillin (85.7%) were observed by both tests. Ciprofloxacin resistance was 52.4% by disc diffusion and 85.7% by E-test. By E-test, all isolates were sensitive to ceftriaxone, cefixime, azithromycin and spectinomycin; however, 7 (33.3%), 9 (42.9%), 9 (42.9%) and 5 (23.8%) isolates showed resistant to these antibiotics with disk method. Prevalence of beta-lactamase producing Neisseria gonorrhoeae was 85.7%. Alcohol consumption (p = 0.032), condom-free sexual practice (p = 0.010), multiple sexual partners (p < 0.001), pelvic pain (p = 0.018), and dysuria (p = 0.021) revealed increased risk of infection. CONCLUSIONS Compared with many previous studies in Ethiopia, we found high prevalence, antimicrobial resistance, and beta-lactamase-positive isolates. Multiple sexual partners, alcohol consumption, not using condom, pelvic pain and dysuria were predictors of this infection. Continuous large-scale monitoring of pathogen is essential for its prevention and control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Engdawork Demissie
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Jigjiga University, Jijiga, Ethiopia
| | - Azanaw Amare
- Department of Medical Microbiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Muluken Birhanu
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Addis Ababa University, and Assosa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Mucheye Gizachew
- Department of Medical Microbiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia.
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Ebogo-Belobo JT, Kenmoe S, Mbongue Mikangue CA, Tchatchouang S, Robertine LF, Takuissu GR, Ndzie Ondigui JL, Bowo-Ngandji A, Kenfack-Momo R, Kengne-Ndé C, Mbaga DS, Menkem EZ, Kame-Ngasse GI, Magoudjou-Pekam JN, Kenfack-Zanguim J, Esemu SN, Tagnouokam-Ngoupo PA, Ndip L, Njouom R. Systematic review and meta-analysis of seroprevalence of human immunodeficiency virus serological markers among pregnant women in Africa, 1984-2020. World J Crit Care Med 2023; 12:264-285. [PMID: 38188451 PMCID: PMC10768416 DOI: 10.5492/wjccm.v12.i5.264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a major public health concern, particularly in Africa where HIV rates remain substantial. Pregnant women are at an increased risk of acquiring HIV, which has a significant impact on both maternal and child health. AIM To review summarizes HIV seroprevalence among pregnant women in Africa. It also identifies regional and clinical characteristics that contribute to study-specific estimates variation. METHODS The study included pregnant women from any African country or region, irrespective of their symptoms, and any study design conducted in any setting. Using electronic literature searches, articles published until February 2023 were reviewed. The quality of the included studies was evaluated. The DerSimonian and Laird random-effects model was applied to determine HIV pooled seroprevalence among pregnant women in Africa. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were conducted to identify potential sources of heterogeneity. Heterogeneity was assessed with Cochran's Q test and I2 statistics, and publication bias was assessed with Egger's test. RESULTS A total of 248 studies conducted between 1984 and 2020 were included in the quantitative synthesis (meta-analysis). Out of the total studies, 146 (58.9%) had a low risk of bias and 102 (41.1%) had a moderate risk of bias. No HIV-positive pregnant women died in the included studies. The overall HIV seroprevalence in pregnant women was estimated to be 9.3% [95% confidence interval (CI): 8.3-10.3]. The subgroup analysis showed statistically significant heterogeneity across subgroups (P < 0.001), with the highest seroprevalence observed in Southern Africa (29.4%, 95%CI: 26.5-32.4) and the lowest seroprevalence observed in Northern Africa (0.7%, 95%CI: 0.3-1.3). CONCLUSION The review found that HIV seroprevalence among pregnant women in African countries remains significant, particularly in Southern African countries. This review can inform the development of targeted public health interventions to address high HIV seroprevalence in pregnant women in African countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Thierry Ebogo-Belobo
- Center for Research in Health and Priority Pathologies, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plants Studies, Yaounde 00237, Cameroon
| | - Sebastien Kenmoe
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Buea, Buea 00237, Cameroon
| | | | | | | | - Guy Roussel Takuissu
- Centre for Food, Food Security and Nutrition Research, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plants Studies, Yaounde 00237, Cameroon
| | | | - Arnol Bowo-Ngandji
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Yaounde I, Yaounde 00237, Cameroon
| | - Raoul Kenfack-Momo
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Yaounde I, Yaounde 00237, Cameroon
| | - Cyprien Kengne-Ndé
- Epidemiological Surveillance, Evaluation and Research Unit, National AIDS Control Committee, Douala 00237, Cameroon
| | - Donatien Serge Mbaga
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Yaounde I, Yaounde 00237, Cameroon
| | | | - Ginette Irma Kame-Ngasse
- Center for Research in Health and Priority Pathologies, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plants Studies, Yaounde 00237, Cameroon
| | | | | | - Seraphine Nkie Esemu
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Buea, Buea 00237, Cameroon
| | | | - Lucy Ndip
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Buea, Buea 00237, Cameroon
| | - Richard Njouom
- Department of Virology, Centre Pasteur du Cameroun, Yaounde 00237, Cameroon
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Butcher R, Jarju S, Obayemi D, Bashorun AO, Vasileva H, Bransbury-Hare H, Agboghoroma O, Drammeh L, Holland M, Harding-Esch E, Clarke E. Prevalence of five treatable sexually transmitted infections among women in Lower River region of The Gambia. BMC Infect Dis 2023; 23:471. [PMID: 37442966 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08399-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in sub-Saharan Africa is poorly described. We aimed to determine the prevalence of five treatable STIs (Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Trichomonas vaginalis, Mycoplasma genitalium, Treponema pallidum) in a sample of Gambian women from the general population. METHODS Archived specimens from 420 women aged 15 - 69 years living in The Gambia enrolled in a clinical trial of human papilloma virus vaccine schedules were tested in this study. Urine samples were tested for C. trachomatis, N. gonorrhoeae, T. vaginalis and M. genitalium using a commercially available, open-platform multiplex PCR kit. A fragment of the ompA gene was amplified from C. trachomatis-positive samples and sequenced. Serum samples were tested for T. pallidum using the Chembio DPP Syphilis Screen and Confirm test. RESULTS Overall, 41/420 (9.8%) women tested positive for at least one STI. 32 (7.6%), 9 (2.1%), 1 (0.2%), 1 (0.2%) and 0 (0.0%) tested positive for T. vaginalis, C. trachomatis, N gonorrhoeae, M. genitalium and T. pallidum, respectively. ompA gene sequence was available from five C. trachomatis infections: four were genovar D,one was genovar G and one was genovar F. CONCLUSIONS STIs are endemic in The Gambia. Monitoring systems should be established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Butcher
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
| | - Sheikh Jarju
- MRC Unit The Gambia at London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Dolapo Obayemi
- MRC Unit The Gambia at London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | - Hristina Vasileva
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Hannah Bransbury-Hare
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | - Lamin Drammeh
- MRC Unit The Gambia at London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Martin Holland
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Emma Harding-Esch
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Ed Clarke
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- MRC Unit The Gambia at London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Wadilo F, Hailemeskel E, Kedir K, El-Khatib Z, Asogba PC, Seyoum T, Landis FC, Howe R, Boltena MT. Prevalence of Group B Streptococcus maternal colonization, serotype distribution, and antimicrobial resistance in Sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Glob Antimicrob Resist 2023; 32:134-144. [PMID: 36813256 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgar.2023.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Group B Streptococcus (GBS)-associated maternal, perinatal, and neonatal mortality and morbidity disproportionately affects Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to address the estimated prevalence, antimicrobial susceptibility, and serotype distribution of GBS isolates in SSA. METHODS This study was done according to PRISMA guidelines. MEDLINE/PubMed, CINAHL (EBSCO), Embase, SCOPUS, Web of Sciences databases, and Google Scholar were used to retrieve both published and unpublished articles. STATA software version 17 was used for data analysis. Forest plots using the random-effect model were used to present the findings. Heterogeneity was assessed using Cochrane chi-square (I2) statistics, while the Egger intercept was used to assess publication bias. RESULTS Fifty-eight studies that fulfilled the eligibility criteria were included for meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of maternal rectovaginal colonization and vertical transmission of GBS were 16.06, 95% CI [13.94, 18.30] and 43.31%, 95% CI [30.75, 56.32], respectively. The highest pooled proportion of antibiotic resistance to GBS was observed in gentamicin (45.58%, 95% CI [4.12%, 91.23]), followed by erythromycin, (25.11%, 95% CI [16.70, 34.49]). The lowest antibiotic resistance was observed in vancomycin (3.84%, 95% CI [0.48, 9.22]). Our findings indicate that serotypes Ia/Ib/II/ III/and V cover almost 88.6% of serotypes in SSA. CONCLUSIONS The estimated high prevalence and resistance to different antibiotic classes observed in GBS isolates from SSA suggests the need for implementation of effective intervention efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiseha Wadilo
- Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Ministry of Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Woliata Sodo University, Wolaita Sodo, South West Ethiopia Peoples' Region, Ethiopia; Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
| | - Elifaged Hailemeskel
- Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Ministry of Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Radboud Institute for Health Science, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
| | - Kiya Kedir
- Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Ministry of Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
| | - Ziad El-Khatib
- World Health Programme, Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Montreal, Québec, Canada; Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | | | - Tamrayehu Seyoum
- Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Ministry of Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
| | | | - Rawliegh Howe
- Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Ministry of Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
| | - Minyahil Tadesse Boltena
- Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Ministry of Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Ethiopian Evidence Based Health Care Center, A Joanna Briggs Institute's Center of Excellence, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Ethiopia.
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Tsega NT, Abebe B, Ebabu T, Asmare T, Kassa M, Haile TT, Seyoum AT, Endalew M, Wondie KY. Sexually transmitted infections and associated factors during pregnancy in Gondar city, Northwest Ethiopia, 2021: A multicenter study. CLINICAL EPIDEMIOLOGY AND GLOBAL HEALTH 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cegh.2022.101096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
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Huda MN, Ahmed MU, Uddin MB, Hasan MK, Uddin J, Dune TM. Prevalence and Demographic, Socioeconomic, and Behavioral Risk Factors of Self-Reported Symptoms of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) among Ever-Married Women: Evidence from Nationally Representative Surveys in Bangladesh. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19031906. [PMID: 35162926 PMCID: PMC8835257 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19031906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Sexually transmitted infections (STI) symptoms (e.g., abnormal genital discharge and genital sores/ulcers) are a major public health concern in Bangladesh because the symptoms can indicate an STI and cause sexual and reproductive health complications in women of reproductive age. To our knowledge, no study examined the prevalence and risk factors of STI symptoms using a nationally representative sample. This study investigates the prevalence of STI symptoms among ever-married women in Bangladesh and the associations of STI symptoms with various demographic, socioeconomic, and behavioral risk factors using the most recent available data (2007, 2011, and 2014) of the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Surveys (BDHS). The BDHS employs a two-stage stratified sampling technique. The analytic sample comprised 41,777 women of reproductive age (15-49 years). Outcome variables included STI symptoms: abnormal genital discharge and genital sores/ulcers. Multivariate logistic regression was employed to find the adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval to assess the associations of outcome measures with explanatory variables. The study found that the prevalence of abnormal genital discharge and genital sores/ulcers among ever-married women aged 15-49 years was 10% and 6%, respectively. Multivariable analysis revealed that for women aged 25-34 years, those who used contraceptives and married earlier had an increased likelihood of STI symptoms. Furthermore, women from the wealthiest wealth quintile and couple's joint decision-making were less likely to have STI symptoms. Findings have implications for interventions efforts aiming to improve women's sexual and reproductive health in Bangladesh.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md. Nazmul Huda
- School of Population Health, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia;
- School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW 2560, Australia
- School of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, Independent University, Dhaka 1229, Bangladesh
| | - Moin Uddin Ahmed
- Translation Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW 2560, Australia;
- Institute of Health Economics, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Bakhtiar Uddin
- School of Social Sciences, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia;
- Department of Economics, Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University, Mymensingh 2220, Bangladesh
| | - Md Kamrul Hasan
- Bangladesh Institute of Social Research Trust, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh;
| | - Jalal Uddin
- Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 1V7, Canada;
| | - Tinashe Moira Dune
- School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW 2560, Australia
- Translation Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW 2560, Australia;
- Diabetes, Metabolism and Obesity Translational Research Unit, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW 2560, Australia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-2-4620-3655
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10
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Tumwine JK. Editorial: Infectious diseases and NCDs persist despite concerted effort. Afr Health Sci 2021; 21:i-v. [PMID: 34795757 PMCID: PMC8568243 DOI: 10.4314/ahs.v21i2.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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