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A survey of female genital schistosomiasis of the lower reproductive tract in the volta basin of Ghana


D Yirenya-Tawiah
C Amoah
KA Apea-Kubi
M Dade
M Ackumey
T Annang
DY Mensah
KM Bosompem

Abstract

Objective: To determine the prevalence of female genital schistosomiasis in riparian communities in the Volta basin of Ghana,
Design: The study was a cross-sectional study conducted among women 15-49 years in the Volta Basin. Urinary schistosomiasis prevalence was
determined using microscopy. A structured questionnaire was also administered to collect information on the demography, obstetric history and reproductive health experiences. Cervical punch biopsy
was collected from women who consented to be screened for FGS. Descriptive statistics was used to determine frequency of occurrence, chi squared and logistic regression to identify associated variables
Results: Urinary schistosomiasis prevalence among the women was 24.8% while 10.6% of them diagnosed with FGS. More FGS diagnosed women (57.7%, p value =0.04%) were observed to report copious discharge, vaginal itch (80.8%, p=0.042) and lower abdominal pain (66.7%, p= 0.041) compared to FGS negative women. The predominant abnormal
observation of the lower genital tract made was erythematous cervix (18.8%).
Conclusion: The study confirms the reproductive health symptoms associated with FGS and recommends awareness creation on FGS among
women in endemic communities to facilitate early treatment.

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print ISSN: 0016-9560