Prevalence of symptoms of reproductive tract infections among married reproductive age group women in selected rural areas of Hassan, Karnataka, India

Background: STI/RTIs have been recognized as major public and reproductive health challenges worldwide. In developing countries, RTI/STIs are the second or third most common public health problem of young people. A variety of factors that put women at risk of reproductive tract infection, such as socio- economic, demographic, sexual, medical, behavioral practices, personal hygiene behavior  have not been adequately explored in India. An objective of the study was to estimate prevalence of STI/RTI among married reproductive age group women in selected CHCs/PHCs of Hassan District and to understand the influence of various factors on STI/RTI among women. Methods:  A community based cross sectional study undertaken over a period of 3 months from May 2016 to July 2016, in rural areas of Hassan. Total of 400 married women in the age group 15-49 years were included in the study. Household survey was done in the selected clusters till 20 women per cluster were identified. Married women of reproductive age group of 15 to 49 years, residing in the study area for past 6 months were included in the study. Results: The prevalence of STI/RTI among married reproductive women was 32%. Prevalence of vaginal discharge decreased with an increase in age, level of education and income. RTI/STI was observed to be higher in scheduled castes and tribes (35.8% and 33.3%) respectively. Conclusions:  Health education regarding the risk factors of unhygienic menstrual practices, non-institutional deliveries and illegal abortions must be imparted to the women in the study area in order to bring about a behavioral change to protect them from RTI/STI.