Studies on the Prevalence of Trichomoniasis among Women in Jos-North, Plateau State, Nigeria

Abstract

Sexually Transmitted Diseases(STDs) have been prevalent  human infections and is on the increase in most tropical and sub-tropical African countries including Nigeria. A survey of the prevalence of Trichomoniasis, was carried out in Jos-North Local Government Area, Plateau State, Nigeria in 2010. A total of 300 women were examined within three functional health institutions namely; University of Jos Health Centre, EWCA Evangel Hospital and Faith Alive Foundation  Hospital, using  the simple  flagella  staining techniques;  the cultural,  and the  direct examination methods, which involved wet preparation of High Vaginal Swab (HVS), and eosin staining methods. Three hundred (300) questionnaires were also administered to obtain sociological indices about the disease in regards  to  the  age  of  the  women,  type  of  toilet  they  use  and  their  occupations.  Results  showed  an  overall prevalence of 40(13.3%) in the 300 women examined of which the women between 26 and 30 years rated highest with143(6.7%) as against 41-45 years with only 5(0.3%) for the disease’s infection. Women observed to be of high socio-economic status that used the water-cistern toilet rated the least,120(5%) as against those with very low
social status that used the pit-latrine toilet which rated highest,180(8.3%) of the number infected.Under occupation, business women recorded highest, 19(6.3%)prevalence rate, students rated 4(1.3%) among others. Vaginal discharge rated highest, (81%) among other observable clinical symptoms associated with the disease as recorded in the survey. The findings regarding the disease deserve some quick response to better the health status of the dwellers in Jos-North in particular and Plateau State in general.

Keywords:Trichomoniasis, Vaginal swab, Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), Clinical Symptoms.