Prevalence and Factors Associated with Sexually Transmitted Diseases Among Women of Reproductive Age Group at Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital, Uganda

Muledhu Eric

Faculty of Clinical Medicine and Dentistry, Kampala International University Western Campus Uganda.

ABSTRACT

Sexually transmitted diseases are a significant public health concern in Uganda, particularly among women of reproductive age. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with STDs among women of reproductive age at Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital, Uganda.  A cross-sectional study was conducted among 302 women of reproductive age attending the hospital’s outpatient department between August 2023 and November 2023. Data were collected using interviewer-administered questionnaires. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine the prevalence and factors associated with STDs. The prevalence of STDs among women of reproductive age attending Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital was found to be 27.2%. Factors significantly associated with STDs included being residence outside the city (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.30, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.21-4.38), age group 20-29 (aOR 2.42, 95% CI 1.05-5.57), having more than 3 sexual partners (aOR 2.13, 95% CI 1.19-3.80) and not using a condom during sexual intercourse (aOR 0.55, 95% CI 0.31-0.98). Additionally, women who reported an increased frequency of sexual activity were more likely to have current STDs (aOR 1.88, 95% CI 1.10-3.21). The prevalence of STDs among women of reproductive age at Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital was high, and several factors were identified as significant predictors of STDs. These findings highlight the need for targeted STD prevention and control interventions, including increased STD screening, counselling on condom use, and promoting safe sexual practices among women of reproductive age in the region.

Keyword: STDs, Productive age, Women, Condom, Sexual activities, Sexual partners.

CITE AS: Muledhu, Eric (2024). Prevalence and Factors Associated with Sexually Transmitted Diseases Among Women of Reproductive Age Group at Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital, Uganda. IDOSR JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL SCIENCES 10(1): 19-29. https://doi.org/10.59298/IDOSR/JES/101.1929.1224