Prevalence of self-reported symptoms of reproductive tract infections among recently pregnant women in Uttar Pradesh, India

This study examines the prevalence of self-reported reproductive tract infe ctions (RTIs) and treatment seeking among married, recently pregnant women in Uttar Pradesh state, India. Associations between RTI symptom reporting a nd background characteristics are examined in a population-based sample of 18,506 married women with a pregnancy in the 3 years prior to a 1995 statew ide survey. Logistic regression analyses are used to assess the effects of sociodemographic covariates on the probability of reporting an RTI symptom. Nearly one out of four women reports experiencing at least one RTI symptom , with the most common symptoms being abnormal vaginal discharge and pain d uring urination. Reporting of RTI symptoms significantly increases if the w oman's last pregnancy did not end in a live birth or if she has low economi c status. Symptom reports also increase with age and decrease with parity. Only one-third of women reporting an RTI symptom sought treatment. The resu lts indicate that survey interviews can be a cost-effective option for meas uring the magnitude of RTI symptoms experienced and identifying sociodemogr aphic influences. The findings suggest the need for improved RTI screening procedures and treatment at health facilities in this populous state of nor thern India.