Prevalence of Trichomoniasis in Women Attending Health Centers in Asadabad City, West of Iran, During ۲۰۲۱-۲۰۲۲

Background: Trichomonal vaginitis or trichomoniasis is one of the most common non-viral sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the world, which has significant health consequences. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of this infection in women of Asadabad city and to investigate its epidemiological factors. Methods: In this study, ۲۹۱ women referred to health centers in Asadabad were examined for Trichomonas vaginalis infection by parasitological methods. The data were analyzed by chi-square test. Results: Out of ۲۹۱ women, ۷ (۲.۴%, with ۹۵% confidence interval: ۰.۷-۴.۱%) were infected with T. vaginalis. Seven people were diagnosed by culture method and ۴ people were diagnosed by direct smear method. The age of participants ranged from ۱۹ to ۶۵ years with an average of ۳۸.۲ years. The age group of ۲۹-۳۸ years old was the most infected group with ۴ cases of infection. Their education level ranged from illiterate to university education. Considering marriage and occupation, ۹۷.۵% were married and ۹۱.۱% were housewives. The most common clinical signs and symptoms observed in people infected with T. vaginalis were vaginal discharge and pain in the lower abdomen. There was no statistically significant relationship between trichomoniasis and any of the studied variables (P>۰.۰۵). Conclusion: The results of this study show a relatively low prevalence of trichomonal vaginitis in this region. However considering the health importance of the infection in the community, it is expected that effective measures will be taken to improve people’s awareness and public health.