Knowledge of reproductive tract morbidity among women in Aligarh

Reproductive tract infections(RTIs) are endemic in developing countries. The symptoms of RTIs are abnormal vaginal discharge, genital pain, itching burning during micturition. RTIs often go undiagnosed and usually result in complications like infertility, pelvic inflammatory diseases, ectopic pregnancy, neonatal morbidity etc. Unsafe abortion, intrauterine devices insertion in unsterile conditions etc also increase risk of RTIs. The aim of this study was to find out the knowledge among rural women of RTI.

A cross-sectional study was carried out in Rural Health Training Centre(RHTC) of the Department of Community Medicine, J.N. Medical College, A.M.U., Aligarh. The married females(15–49 years) attending the OPDs of RHTC, who gave consent for the study, were selected for the study. The study period was of 2 months: January-February, 2016.A total of 100 patients were selected for the study. Data was collected using a pretested semi-structured questionnaire. The data was analysed by using SPSS software. It was kept confidential and was used for research purpose only.

Mostly the females had very poor knowledge regarding sign and symptoms of RTI. The most common symptom they were aware was white discharge. Then they were aware of low backache and weakness(14% and 13% respectively). Most of them did not know about the effects of RTIs. Some of them were aware of the mode of transmission of RTIs like poor personal hygiene or sexual contact.

Health education should be given to women regarding common symptoms, methods of transmission, complications and preventive measures of RTIs. Condoms should be promoted. Regular training of health care personnel is also required. Separate STI clinics should be opened in rural health centres.