Year: 2026 | Month: October-December | Volume: 11 | Issue: 4 | Pages: 50-57
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijshr.20260406
Prevalence of Reproductive Tract Infections/Sexually Transmitted Infections and its Determinants among Married Women in Reproductive Age Group in a Rural Area in Assam
Azhanuo Khezhie1, Kanika K. Baruah2, Khagorika Saikia3
1Senior Resident, Department of Community Medicine, Nagaland Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Kohima, Nagaland.
2Professor and HOD, Department of Community Medicine, Silchar Medical College and Hospital, Silchar, 788014 Assam.
3Assisstant Professor, Tinsukia Medical College and Hospital, Tinsukia, 786146, Assam.
Corresponding Author: Azhanuo Khezhie
ABSTRACT
Background: Reproductive tract infections (RTIs) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are important public health concerns that adversely affect women's reproductive health. Their recognition and management remain challenging in rural communities, where access to diagnostic facilities may be limited. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of RTI/STI-related symptoms and identify associated factors among married women of reproductive age in a rural area of Assam, India.
Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from August 2018 to August 2020 among 480 married women aged 15–49 years residing in selected villages of Rani Community Development Block, Kamrup (Rural) district, Assam. Twenty-four villages were selected by simple random sampling, and 20 households were sampled from each village. Data were collected through house-to-house interviews using a predesigned and pretested structured questionnaire. Participants reporting at least one RTI/STI-related symptom during the preceding three months were classified as symptomatic. Associations between categorical variables were assessed using the chi-square test, with statistical significance set at p<0.05.
Results: Of the 480 participants, 175 (36.46%) reported at least one symptom suggestive of RTI/STI during the preceding three months. Vaginal discharge was the most frequently reported symptom (31.91%), followed by vulval itching or burning (16.60%). Educational status was significantly associated with symptom prevalence (p=0.0116). Significant associations were also observed with age at marriage (p=0.0052), duration of marriage (p=0.0182), type of menstrual absorbent used (p=0.0053), parity (p=0.0290), and contraceptive use (p=0.0006). No statistically significant association was observed with age, religion, type of family, occupation, place of last delivery, or history of abortion.
Conclusion: More than one-third of the study participants reported symptoms suggestive of RTI/STI. The findings highlight the importance of strengthening reproductive health education, menstrual hygiene awareness, and access to family planning and reproductive health services in rural communities. As no clinical examination or laboratory investigations were performed, the findings represent symptom-based prevalence rather than confirmed RTI/STI prevalence.
Keywords: Reproductive Tract Infections; Sexually Transmitted Infections; Prevalence; Reproductive age group; Rural Population; Women's Health.