Prevalence of trichomoniasis amongst women in Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

A survey of trichomoniasis amongst women in Nnewi, Anambra State, was carried out. Mid-stream early morning urine and
vaginal swabs were collected in screw-capped sterile bottles and Evepon swab sticks respectively from 1,440 women aged 14
to 50 years from 4 communities, Otolo, Umudim, Uruagu and Nnewichi. The samples were transported to the Medical
Parasitology Laboratory, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, for parasitological examination. Laboratory
findings showed that 310 (21.53%) respondents were infected with trichomoniasis. Age-related prevalence of infection showed
that respondents aged 21-30 years had the highest prevalence of infection (23.53%) while those aged 41-50 years had the
least prevalence (12.07%). Occupational-related prevalence of infection revealed that traders aged 31-40 years had the highest
prevalence (39.98%) of infection while civil servants aged 14-20 years had the least prevalence (5.20%) of infection. Relating
prevalence of infection to marital status, 33.47% of single women and 15.25% of married women were infected. The highest
prevalence of infection (24.48%) was observed amongst single women aged 21-30 years, while the least prevalence of
infection (9.86%) was observed amongst single women aged 41-50 years. Analysis of the data showed a significant difference
(p < 0.05) in the prevalence of infection between married and single respondents and between respondents of different
occupational groups. This study establishes the prevalence of trichomoniasis in Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria.

Keywords: age-related prevalence, occupational groups, trichomoniasis, Nnewi, Nigeria.

Nigerian Journal of Parasitology Vol. 28 (1) 2007: pp. 6-10