Perceived gynecological morbidity among young ever-married women living in squatter settlements of Karachi, Pakistan.
BACKGROUND
Community-based information on obstetric and gynecological morbidity in developing countries is meager and nearly non-existent in Pakistan.


OBJECTIVE
To estimate the prevalence of specific gynecological morbidities and investigate the predictors of pelvic inflammatory disease.


METHODS
Users [404] and non-users [313] of modern contraceptives were identified from eight squatter settlements of Karachi, Pakistan and detailed information on basic demographics, contraceptive use, female mobility, decision-making and gynecological morbidities were elicited.


RESULTS
The perceived prevalence of menstrual disorders were 45.3%, uterine prolapse 19.1%, pelvic inflammatory disease 12.8% and urinary tract infection 5.4%. The magnitude of gynecological morbidity was high with about 55% of women reporting at least one gynecological morbidity though fewer [20%] reported at least two gynecological morbidities. Significant predictors of pelvic inflammatory disease were intrauterine contraceptive device users (OR = 3.1; 95% CI 1.7-5.6), age < or = 20 years (OR = 2.3; 95% CI 1.1-4.8) and urban life style (OR = 2.1; 95% CI 1.0-4.6).


CONCLUSIONS
There is an immense burden of reproductive ill-health and a significant association between ever users of intrauterine contraceptive device and pelvic inflammatory disease. We therefore suggest improvement in the quality of reproductive health services generally, but specifically for family planning services.
Sajan
F
F
Department of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan.
Fikree
F F
FF
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005831:Genital Diseases, Female / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D016017:Odds Ratio; D010154:Pakistan / Q000453:epidemiology; D000292:Pelvic Inflammatory Disease / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D011204:Poverty Areas; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors