Low prevalence of <i>Trichomonas vaginalis</i> infection among women seeking health care in five communities in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Abstract

the is a common sexually transmitted parasitic infection caused by Trichomonas vaginalis, yet it is always neglected and unreported. This study was carried out among women of reproductive age made up of 136(34.2%) pregnant and 262(65.8%) non-pregnant women in a bid to seek possible ways to promote healthy lifestyle among them. They were examined for prevalence, distribution pattern, intensity and risk factors associated with the infection. The study was conducted in communities randomly selected in Ikot Ekpene LGA namely; Nkap, Ikot Obong Edong, Ikot Ekpene and Ikot Abia Idem. Participants were women who registered for antenatal or visited the medical centres for other health needs. Samples were collected and wet mounts and vital staining with Giemsa stain was used to detect T. vaginalis trophozoites. Out of 398 samples collected, 17(4.3%) were infected. Only 4(2.9%) women out of 136 pregnant women examined were infected. All infected participants were below 36 years. The highest prevalence was recorded among the 16–25 age group with 9(6%) out of 150 women examined in this group infected. Those infected within 26–35 years were 8(3.8%). The difference in prevalence between the two age groups was not significant (χ2=2.90, p=0.23). A higher burden of the disease was recorded among sexually active women. Health officials should endeavour to pay attention to curbing the disease, through awareness among vulnerable groups.