<i>Trichomonas vaginalis</i> infection: Prevalence and risk factors among ante-natal attendees in a tertiary facility in Taraba State, north-east Nigeria

Abstract

Trichomonas vaginalis infection remain the most prevalent non-viral sexually transmitted disease world-wide even though it is the most curable sexually transmitted disease. To determine the prevalence and risk factor associated with trichomoniasis. A total of 90 pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at Taraba State Specialist Hospital within the ages of 15-39 years were evaluated for trichonomiasis using wet mount and giemsa stained smear microscopy. Bio-data and clinical features were gotten via the administration of a structured questionnaire to each participant. A prevalence rate of 4.4% (4 out of 90) was recorded. Both wet mount and giemsa-stained smear gave the same number of positive cases. There was no statistical association between trichomoniasis and risk factors but women within the age of 31 years and above, history of sexually transmitted infections, self-employed, married to a polygamist, had vaginal discharge and had 4 and above number of kids gave the highest infection rate per category. A prevalence of 4.4% recorded for trichomoniasis in this study, is considerably high. Thus, medical, social and educational interventions aimed at reducing the prevalence are strongly recommended.

Keywords: Trichomonas vaginalis; pregnant women; prevalence; risk factors.