Prevalence and correlates of Trichomonas vaginalis infection in women attending antenatal clinic in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Trichomonas vaginalis is the most common, treatable or curable non-viral sexually transmitted infection (STI) with an annual incidence of more than 170 million cases worldwide.
Objectives: The study was carried out to determine the prevalence of Trichomonas vaginalis infection and the associated risk factors associated among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in Plateau State Specialist Hospital Jos.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out with a total of 300pregnant women who consented to participate in the study. Urine samples were collected from the consenting pregnant women and analysed microscopically. Information on sociodemographic and risk factors were collected via structured questionnaire and analysed statistically.
Results: Prevalence of T. vaginalis infection was found to be 22.0% in this study. The studied population had a mean age of 28.49 years with the infection most prevalent among women in the 3rd trimester of their pregnancy (24.1%). Women who admitted to having had stillbirths/miscarriages had the highest prevalence of the infection (33.3%). Trichomonas vaginalis was found (32.1%) among women with vaginal discharge.
Conclusion: Trichomonas vaginalis infection is prevalent in Jos with 22.0% prevalence among women attending antenatal clinic in plateau State Specialist Hospital. Enlightenment on good personal hygiene as well as education on safe sexual practices are recommended.