Prevalence and risk factors of reproductive tract infections among a defined population of Iranian women

Abstract

Background Reproductive tract infections are among the most prevalent gynaecological health concerns. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of reproductive tract infections among a defined population of Iranian women. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed in Shiraz, Southern Iran, from 2007 to 2009. The study subjects were 28 484 vulnerable household women who were covered by the Imam Khomeini Relief Foundation insurance scheme. All the participants underwent vaginal speculum examinations and swab sampling. Vaginal discharge was collected for Gram staining, potassium hydroxide mount, wet mount and in a transport medium for culture and sensitivity testing. The frequency of reproductive tract infections and their risk factors were determined. Results: The mean age of the 28 484 women who participated in the study was 48.7 ± 10.1 (range: 13–104) years. According to the results, 13 472 (47.3%) subjects had reproductive tract infections. Moreover, vulvovaginal candidiasis was the most common infection in our population, accounting for 4718 subjects (16.6%), followed by trichomoniasis (11.2%) and bacterial vaginosis (10.6%). Furthermore, the number of pregnancies, being married and low educational levels (illiterate and under diploma level) were the risk factors for these infections, whereas the use of oral contraceptives and being employed were the protective factors. Conclusion: Almost half of the vulnerable Iranian women suffer from reproductive tract infections, with candidiasis and trichomoniasis being the most prevalent types. Based on the high prevalence of these infections, appropriate and precise screening programs should be taken into consideration for this specific population.