Incidence of Trichomonas vaginalis among Internally Displaced Women in Ibaka, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Abstract

A total of 282 outpatient pregnant antenatal and non-pregnant women from internally displaced camps attending the Poly Health Clinic (PHC) and the Enwang Health Centre (EHC) were examined for Trichomonas vaginalis infection. Direct wet mount microscopy and Giemsa staining techniques were used on High Vaginal Swab (HVS) specimens collected on sterile swab sticks. A prevalence of 20 (57.1%) was recorded using both methods; 12 (7.2%) in PHC and 08 (6.2%) in EHC Mbo local government area, Akwa Ibom State respectively. Differences among pregnant and non-pregnant women used were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Women in the age group 15 - 19 years had the highest prevalence of infection 03 (10.5%), closely followed by those of age group 20 - 24 years 6 (6.8%). A total number of 14 (6.7%) infections were recorded among married women followed by single women with 06 (10%). A higher prevalence rate of 01 (24%) was recorded among women who attended Quranic level of education and 04 (16.7%) with uneducated women, this may be due to small sample size within this group of women. 12 (6.5%) in women with primary school education and 03 (4.7%) in women with secondary school level of education. The need for improved personal hygiene in IDP camps and other effective intervention programmes among these vulnerable groups of women is advocated.