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PREVALENCE OF SELF-REPORTED SYMPTOMS OF REPRODUCTIVE TRACT INFECTIONS AMONG RECENTLY PREGNANT WOMEN IN UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 October 2001

KUHU MAITRA
Affiliation:
Population Council, India
JOSEPH DEGRAFT-JOHNSON
Affiliation:
Save the Children Federation, USA
KAUSHALENDRA K. SINGH
Affiliation:
Department of Statistics, Banaras Hindu University
AMY O. TSUI
Affiliation:
Population Council, India Department of Maternal and Child Health and the Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA

Abstract

This study examines the prevalence of self-reported reproductive tract infections (RTIs) and treatment seeking among married, recently pregnant women in Uttar Pradesh state, India. Associations between RTI symptom reporting and background characteristics are examined in a population-based sample of 18,506 married women with a pregnancy in the 3 years prior to a 1995 statewide survey. Logistic regression analyses are used to assess the effects of sociodemographic covariates on the probability of reporting an RTI symptom. Nearly one out of four women reports experiencing at least one RTI symptom, with the most common symptoms being abnormal vaginal discharge and pain during urination. Reporting of RTI symptoms significantly increases if the woman’s last pregnancy did not end in a live birth or if she has low economic status. Symptom reports also increase with age and decrease with parity. Only one-third of women reporting an RTI symptom sought treatment. The results indicate that survey interviews can be a cost-effective option for measuring the magnitude of RTI symptoms experienced and identifying sociodemographic influences. The findings suggest the need for improved RTI screening procedures and treatment at health facilities in this populous state of northern India.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
© 2001 Cambridge University Press

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