Prevalence of Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Pregnant Mothers Attending Antenatal Care Clinic at Ruhiira Health Centre Three, Isingiro District

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a major public health problem, especially in developing countries like Uganda. They are highly prevalent among pregnant women in and cause significant maternal and perinatal morbidity. STIs and other reproductive tract infections (RTIs) have been associated with a number of adverse pregnancy outcomes including abortion, stillbirth, preterm delivery, low birth weight, postpartum sepsis, neonatal pneumonia, neonatal blindness & congenital infection.  Aim: This study was aimed at determining the prevalence of STIs among pregnant mothers attending Antenatal Clinic at Ruhiira HC III in Isingiro District. Method: The study method utilized was a cross-sectional study design. Results: In this study, the overall prevalence of STIs among pregnant women attending ANC at Ruhiira HC III was 64%, with majority of cases being V. candidiasis (29%), gonorrhea (16%), syphilis (11%), HIV (5%) and trichomoniasis (3%), with no cases for Hep B (0%) and HPV infections (0%). The risk factors identified for STIs among the study participants were, age 24-28 years (81%), 18-23 (69%), being single (100%)  and being unemployed which includes students (100%) and peasants (70%). The predisposing factors for STIs identified included alcohol consumption both moderate and mild (83%) and (80%) respectively, MSP including 3-5 partners (88%)  as well as only two partners (79%) and having sex without using a condom (89%). Conclusion: The overall prevalence of STIs among pregnant women in this study (64%) was very high compared to results from similar studies. A total of 84 cases of STIs were observed. The commonest type of STI was V. candidiasis (29%) of the cases, gonorrhea (16%) and syphilis (11%). The socio-demographic factors associated with STIs in pregnancy were; Age less than 30 years, being single and unmarried. The major risk behaviors associated with STIs were unprotected sexual intercourse, multiple sexual partners above 2 and alcohol consumption irrespective of the amount. Recommendations: Health education of the mothers, improved STI counselling and testing services by the health workers. Government should put in place, materials for diagnosis of other STIs not included in this study due to lack of equipment for example STIs like chlamydia trachomatis among others. Additionally, similar studies be carried out in higher level Health facilities like Health Centre IVs and referral hospitals, where larger sample sizes can be obtained and equipment for diagnosis of a vast number of STIs in pregnancy are available.