Prevalence of genital Chlamydia and gonococcal infections in at risk women in the kumasi metropolis, ghana

Ghana Med J. 2010 Mar;44(1):21-4. doi: 10.4314/gmj.v44i1.68852.

Abstract

Objective: To study the prevalence of genital chlamydia and gonococcal infections in women at risk of acquiring sexually transmitted infections in the Kumasi metropolis, Ghana.

Design: Structured interviews and clinical examination of participants and obtaining vaginal swabs to test for gonorrhoea and chlamydia infections.

Participants: Women aged between 18-35 years (inclusive) with a history of having at least 3 sexual acts per week and having had at least 2 sex partners in the previous 3 months and were willing to be part of the study.

Results: One thousand and seventy (1070) women participated in the study. Genital chlamydia infection was found in 4.8% of participants whilst gonococcal infection was found in 0.9% of participants.

Conclusion: The prevalence of genital chlamydia and gonococcal infections was low in these at-risk women. The prevalence is also lower than reported in other female populations in the country.

Keywords: Chlamydia trachomatis; Kumasi metropolis; Neisseria gonorrhoeae; at-risk women.