Genital infection by Trichomonas Vaginalis in women referring to Babol health centers: prevalence and risk factors

Background: There is little information about the prevalence and risk markers of Trichomonas Vaginalis (TV) in Islamic Republic of Iran. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of TV and to examine the factors associated with this infection. Methods: A sample of 550 sexually active women aged less than 45 years living in Babol were enrolled using systematic sampling technique. They were interviewed using a questionnaire, and all the subjects underwent pelvic examination and a discharge ectocervix sample was collected for the diagnosis of TV using wet smear. Results: The prevalence of TV was 4%, there being a significant association between TV and the sociodemographic variables such as the husband’s education, and woman’s age (20-30 years). The behavioral markers significantly associated with the infection were, not using condom, having ever heard of lack of information about STD/HIV (Sexual Transmitted Disease), and protected last sexual contact in that month and cigarette smoking by husbands. The signs significantly associated with the infection were vaginal discharge, mucopurulent cervicitis, and redness of vulvovaginal. Syndromic diagnosis revealed a moderate sensitivity of 55% and poor positive predictive value for infection. Conclusion: The prevalence of positive TV is low in the studied women. Therefore, a net diagnosis using laboratory tests is necessary before the initiation of treatment.