A Study of Field‐based Methods for Diagnosing Reproductive Tract Infections in Rural Yunnan Province, China

This study assessed the accuracy of simple field-based methods for diagnosing reproductive tract infections (RTIs) in rural Yunnan Province China. RTIs have been recognized as a significant cause of poor health among Chinese women. Two rural counties--Chengjiang and Luliang--were surveyed by a population-based method. 2020 married women aged 15-49 years were included in the sample survey. Simple field-based tests were conducted for Trichomonas Candida and bacterial vaginosis using wet-mount microscopy and biochemical tests. The analysis showed that self-reported symptoms and clinical examination were ineffective in RTI differential diagnosis because many infected women showed no symptoms or were infected with two or more conditions. Simple tests greatly improved diagnostic accuracy particularly for Candida and Trichomonas. The wet mount and vaginal pH test combination were preferable for diagnosing Candida. However the diagnostic approach for Trichomonas should be reassessed because this method requires substantial investment. Other simple tests do not work well for diagnosing bacterial vaginosis and chlamydial and gonorrheal infections. Thus this study demonstrates the feasibility and limitations of RTI management at the local level in rural China.