RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 The supermarket for women's reproductive health: the burden of genital infections in a family planning clinic in Nairobi, Kenya.
JF Sexually Transmitted Infections
JO Sex Transm Infect
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd
SP 202
OP 204
DO 10.1136/sti.74.3.202
VO 74
IS 3
A1 Temmerman, M
A1 Kidula, N
A1 Tyndall, M
A1 Rukaria-Kaumbutho, R
A1 Muchiri, L
A1 Ndinya-Achola, J O
YR 1998
UL http://sti.bmj.com/content/74/3/202.abstract
AB OBJECTIVES: To study the burden of disease of reproductive tract infections (RTIs) and cervical dysplasia in women attending a family planning clinic in Nairobi, Kenya, and to assess the acceptability of integrating reproductive healthcare services into existing family planning facilities. METHODS: In a family planning clinic in Nairobi, Kenya, 520 women were enrolled in a study on RTI and cervical dysplasia. RESULTS: RTI pathogens were detected in over 20% of women, the majority being asymptomatic. HIV-1 testing was positive in 10.2%. The diagnosis of cervical dysplasia was made on 12% of the cytology smears (mild in 5.8%, moderate in 3.5%, severe in 1.2%), and 1.5% had invasive cervical cancer. The intervention of case detection of RTI and Papanicolaou smear taking was well received by clients and considered feasible by the staff. CONCLUSIONS: Early detection and treatment of potentially curable cervical lesions and RTI provide a unique opportunity to improve women's health. In Kenya, where the current contraceptive prevalence rate is 33%, family planning clinics are excellent sites to introduce health interventions.