Publication:

Socio-economic determinants of reproductive tract infections affecting the women (15-49 years): a cross sectional study in a tertiary care hospital of Chhattisgarh

Background RTIs/STIs are a common public health problem in developing countries, contributing to a huge economic burden among individuals and health systems. RTI's excluding HIV constitutes the second major cause of disease burden (after maternity related causes) in women of developing countries. This cross sectional study is carried out with objectives of, to study socio-economic profile of respondents and to determine socio-economic factors of RTI, affecting the women of reproductive age group attending CIMS, Hospital Bilaspur (C.G.).

Methods A descriptive cross sectional study conducted in a tertiary care hospital CIMS, Bilaspur (Chhattisgarh) from May 2015 to October 2016. Total 450 cases were studied. Predesigned and pretested questionnaire was used to collect information regarding the socio-demographic profile and clinical profile of women’s regarding RTI. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS and Chi-square test was applied.

Results 4.3% (450) patient attending Obstetrics and Gynecology OPD were found to be suffering from RTI. Out of the 450 women, 83.8% of the women had experienced at least one symptom suggestive of RTI previously. Abnormal vaginal discharge was reported by 88.9% followed by lower abdominal pain (78.9%), genital ulcer (34%) and menstrual irregularity 75.8% of women. Symptoms of RTI were higher in old age, illiterate, those with employed, rural residential, Schedule tribe category, poor socio-economic status, separated, divorce and widow and women their husband educated up to primary class.

Conclusions Generating community awareness, ensuring proper menstrual hygiene, and improving the socioeconomic status would help in reducing the cases of RTI.