Prevalence of sexually transmitted infections among antenatal women in Vanuatu, 1999-2000

Sex Transm Dis. 2003 Apr;30(4):362-6. doi: 10.1097/00007435-200304000-00017.

Abstract

Background: The epidemiology of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV in Vanuatu is poorly defined.

Goal: The goal was to determine the prevalence of laboratory-confirmed gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, syphilis seroreactivity, and HIV among pregnant women in Vila, Vanuatu.

Study design: A cross-sectional survey of 547 pregnant women attending a first-visit antenatal hospital clinic in Vila. Laboratory testing included polymerase chain reaction on tampons for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis; testing of sera for syphilis with rapid plasmid reagin; and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for HIV.

Results: The prevalence of trichomoniasis was 27.5% (150); of chlamydia, 21.5% (117); of gonorrhea, 5.9% (32); and of syphilis, 13 (2.4%). No HIV cases were detected; 214 women (40%) had > or =1 STI. Young age and single marital status were both significantly associated with infection (P < 0.001).

Conclusion: Chlamydial infection and trichomoniasis are hyperendemic among pregnant women in Vila. Young, single women are at greatest risk for infection.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / epidemiology
  • HIV Infections / etiology
  • Humans
  • Marital Status
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / epidemiology*
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / etiology
  • Prenatal Care
  • Prevalence
  • Risk Factors
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases / etiology
  • Vanuatu / epidemiology