Methodology This was a descriptive cross sectional study conducted on women presenting clinically with pelvic inflammatory disease to the outpatient department of obstetrics and gynaecology at University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka. Behavioural and demographic variable were collected through questionnaire. Endo-cervical smear was obtained and screened for gonorrhoea and Chlamydia using respective rapid test and gram stain for gonorrhoea.

Results 43 (37%) of a total 116 respondents had gonorrhoea but no Chlamydia was isolated. 114 (98.3) had sexual partners. 101 had steady sexual partners, 19 had casual partners and 9 had anonymous sexual partners with 37 (36.6%), 10 (52.6%) and 6 (66.7%) gonorrhoea isolation respectively. Some had multiple sexual partners. Gonorrhoea was isolated from 4 (28.6%) of the 14 respondents who had one new sexual partner, and all who had two or more sexual partners had gonorrhoea isolated. Gonorrhoea isolation in relation to frequency of sexual intercourse per week was as follows: once 1/13 (7.7%), twice 2/11 (18.2%), thrice 3/11 (27.3%) and more than three times 32/65 (49.2). Gonorrhoea was also higher in those who had sex with casual or anonymous sexual partner under influence of alcohol 6/11 (54.5%) or obtained anonymous sexual partner from Market, shopping canter 4/5 (80%), street, bar, disco, or night club 7/9 (77.8%). Gonorrhoea detection was as follows: 18/36 (50.0 %) for those with adnexial tenderness, 21/45 (46.7%) with inflamed cervix, 37/92 (40.2%) with lower abdominal tenderness and 32/87 (36.8%) with normally appearing cervix.

Conclusion The prevalence of Neiseria gonorrhoea was 37% detected. There was no Chlamydia isolated. Low socio-economic status and young age were the higher risk. The sexual risk behaviours associated were; the number of casual or anonymous sexual partners, and non-use of condoms. Lower abdominal pain and tenderness with cervical motion and adnexial tenderness were the major sign.