THE SUPERMARKET FOR WOMENS REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH - THE BURDEN OF GENITAL INFECTIONS IN A FAMILY-PLANNING CLINIC IN NAIROBI, KENYA

Objectives: To study the burden of disease of reproductive tract infec tions (RTIs) and cervical dysplasia in women attending a family planni ng clinic in Nairobi, Kenya, and to assess the acceptability of integr ating reproductive healthcare services into existing family planning f acilities. 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 c ervical 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 ca ncer. The intervention of case detection of RTI and Papanicolaou smear talking was well received by clients and considered feasible by the s taff. Conclusions: Early detection and treatment of potentially curabl e cervical lesions and RTI provide a unique opportunity to improve wom en's health. In Kenya, where the current contraceptive prevalence rate is 33%, family planning clinics are excellent sites to introduce heal th interventions.