KAP Study on Reproductive Tract Infections (RTIs) Among Married women (15-44 years) in rural area of Etawah, Uttar Pradesh

Abstract

Background: High level of gynaecological morbidity, especially RTIs/STIs, if untreated, it can lead to adverse health outcomes such as infertility, ectopic pregnancy and increases vulnerability to transmission of HIV/AIDS. Sexually transmitted infections are worldwide major concern in developing countries.  The major aspect of the control and prevention of disease and health protection is health education. Since knowledge plays an important role in people attitude and behaviours.

Aims & Objectives: To assess the Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices about RTIs among married women age 15-44 years in rural Etawah.  

Material Methods:  A cross sectional study was done on 370 married women of rural area of Etawah district. Multi stage random sampling was adopted. A structured questionnaire was used to assess the knowledge, Attitudes and Practices about RTIs among married women. Chi -square test used for analysis. Data collection on morbidity pattern among married women was based only on symptoms.

Result: In the present study 42.16 % were aware about RTIs. As per their knowledge about symptoms, mode of transmission and source of infections 35.41 % women told vaginal discharge as commonest symptom of RTIs, 40.0% women perceived sexual contact with multiple partner as the main route of transmission and 29.46% married women gained knowledge about RTIs from health worker followed by doctors 28.10%.

Conclusion: Only 42.16% had knowledge of RTIs and only 61 infected women sought treatment out of 173 symptomatic women. There is need to educate women on preventive strategies as women are less likely to seek treatment for symptomatic infections because of stigma associated with RTIs.