Trichomoniasis among pregnant women in Ifako Ijaiye, Shomolu and Agege Local Government Areas of Lagos State, Nigeria

Abstract

Three hundred pregnant women between ages 15-60 years and attending antenatal clinics in Lagos State, Nigeria were screened for trichomoniasis in 2015. High vaginal swab samples obtained from the participants were examined by direct wet mount microscopy to determine prevalence of infection. Questionnaires were administered to capture socio-demographic data of study participants and their level of awareness. An overall prevalence of 11.3% was obtained in the study. Peak prevalence was recorded among women in the 21-30 years age-group 15 (44%) while those aged >40 years had the least prevalence (3%) and this was statistically significant (p<0.05). Women with only basic primary education 25 (74%) had the highest infection rate compared to other educational groups (p<0.05). Other statistically significant risk factors included polygamous family type, traders and the third trimester of pregnancy (p<0.05). Only 20 (7%) of the respondents were aware of trichomoniasis as a Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) and this was significantly associated with the prevalence rate at p<0.05. This study indicates trichomoniasis is a public health concern, and recommends routine screening of pregnant women during antenatal visits, since the infection is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Keywords: Trichomoniasis; pregnant women; knowledge, attitude and practice; Lagos; Nigeria