Prevalence and attitude towards Trichomonas vaginalis infection among undergraduate students of a higher institution in south eastern Nigeria
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Date
2022-11
Authors
Ukpai,O.M
Nwaodu,F.T
Amaechi,E.C
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Publisher
National Open University, Zimbabew
Abstract
A study to determine the prevalence and attitude towards Trichomonas vaginalis infection amongst undergraduate students of
a higher institution in south Eastern Nigeria was conducted between January and June 2015. A total of 250 students
comprising of 104 males and 146 females had their urine samples examined using the microscopy method for the presence of
Trichomonas vaginalis. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from all the consenting participants after which high
vaginal swabs were collected, processed and examined for T. vaginalis using microscopy. Out of this number, 40 (16%) were
infected. Age related infection rate was highest in the 31 – 35 years (25%) age group. Symptoms associated with this infection
included genital discharges, painful urination, painful menstruation (dysmenorrhea), itching, and irregular menstruation. Factors
which affect the student’s attitude towards getting screened for the infection are fear, ignorance, poverty, self-medication, lack
of time and even carelessness. Possible causes of T. vaginalis infection were revealed as: sharing of towels (10.0%), sharing
of bathing sponge (6.0%), sharing of under wears (5.2%), unclean or infected toilet facility (2.0%). sharing of shaving sticks,
razor blade and scissors (for pubic hair) (1.2%) and unprotected sex (0.8%). Known preventive measures against Trichomonas
vaginalis infection included avoidance of sexual contact with infected persons (2.8%), use of condoms (32.8%), avoidance of
premarital sex (9.2%), having only one sexual partner (12.8%), disinfecting and keeping the toilet clean (17.2%) and not
sharing towels (6.0%). Public health enlightenment that is targeted at behavioural change is strongly advocated.
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Citation
Prevalence, attitude, Trichomonas vaginalis, higher institution