Incidence of RTI/STI among vadabalija women of chepalauppada village of Visakhapatnam district Andhrapradesh

This is a community based study conducted among fisherwomen (Vadabalija caste) in Chepaluppada village of Visakhapatnam. The aim of the study is to assess the incidence of RTI symptoms by sydromic approach among Vadabalija married women. According to the present study, the incidence of RTI/STI's was 42.5 per cent based on the symptoms. Prevalence was observed high in above 30 years age group, literates, women living in joint families, non institutional deliveries, married before the age of 18, with the history of abortions/stillbirts, tubectomy acceptors and those with unhygienic menstrual practices. Vaginal discharge was the most common complaint (42.4%), followed by lower abdominal pain (6.2%).