Prevalence Of Trichomonas vaginalis Among The Rural Women Of Ekwulumili Community Anambra State, Southeastern Nigeria.

Abstract

A prevalence study of Trichomonas vaginalis infection among the rural women of Ekwulumili community in Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria, was carried out between April and July 2012. A total of one hundred women aged 20-59 years, from the four villages of the community participated in the study.The women were mobilized through advocacy visits to the traditional ruler and opinion leaders of the community, town criers and announcements in the churches, schools, markets and women group meetings. All the women were assembled at the Eziokwubundu Maternity Home on the agreed date. An informed consent of every woman was obtained before a sample of the vaginal swab was carefully and asceptically collected from the high vaginal area using a well-labeled, sterile, non-abrassive high vaginal swab stick. Each sample was stored in a test tube containing 5mls of phosphate buffer. All samples were centrifuged and examined microscopically within 2 hours of collection. The presence of T. vaginalis was detected by its characteristic jerky movement in a wet preparation. An overall prevalence of 15% was obtained. T. vaginalis prevalence varied in the villages, being highest in Owellechukwu 1(25.0%) and least in Urueze 9(13.24%). It also varied with marital groups, being highest among the married women 9(20.93%) and lowest among the singles 3(8.82%). It was highest among the traders 10(23.81%) and lowest among the civil servants 1(9.10%). Among the age groups, prevalence was highest in the age group 30-39 years, 7(35.0%) and lowest among those aged 40-49 years, 2(8.0%). T vaginalis was not detected in pregnant women. Adequate personal hygiene, avoidance of promiscuity, faithfulness to one sexual partner, and health education were suggested for improvement of their health.