Vaginal and Sexually Transmitted Infections: Preventive Intervention among Newly Married Women in Minia University

• Main Authors: Fatma Abdel Alim Ibrahim, Nadia Abd Allah Mohammed
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Alexandria University 2009-09-01
• Series: Journal of High Institute of Public Health
• Subjects: vaginal infections; yeast infection; bacterial vaginosis; trichomoniasis; stis; prevention

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remain a public health problem of major significance in most parts of the world. Vaginal infections-for example- are very common in women of reproductive age and are almost always symptomatic and rarely cause complications. The objective of this study wasto raise awareness as preventive intervention regarding vaginal infections and STIs among newly married women in Minia University employee. Quasi-experimental design was utilized in this research. A total of 300 newly married women (≥ three months period after marriage) from Minia University employee were interviewed at their work sites or their homes. Oral consent was taken from each woman and data were collected between the period of May 2007 to Dec 2007. Individual interview questionnaire was developed by the researcher that included two main parts; part one is the assessment of socio-demographic data, sources of information for sexuality concerns, and assessment of relevant protective aspects. The second part included pre/post tests which consisted of 12 questions to assess level of knowledge regarding vaginal infections and STIs. It also included the provision of mini teaching module that covered the main information needed for raising awareness for prevention of vaginal and ST infections such as; definition, types, causes, symptoms and prevention. Results showed thatages of the studied women ranged from 18 to 21 years old, all of them had moderate level of education (diploma). An 88.3% & 11.7% were rural and urban residents respectively. Moreover, the mean score percentages of the pre/post tests of the knowledge about each of vaginal and ST infections were significantly different (p= 0.001). It was concluded that the level of awareness was raised regarding vaginal and ST infections among the studied women. Public health education campaigns on vaginal and ST infections prevention for vulnerable groups including; adolescents and youth, illiterate clients, women and men are recommended.