Prevalence and Attitude towards Trichomonas vaginalis infection among undergraduate students of a higher institution in South Eastern Nigeria

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.