Self-reported symptoms of reproductive tract infections among rural women in Hainan, China: prevalence rates and risk factors.
OBJECTIVE
The goal of this study was to examine risk of reproductive tract infections (RTIs) among women in rural China, including prevalence, influence of sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge, hygienic practices, attitudes, and behaviors related to premarital and extramarital sex, and abortion.


METHODS
During 2000, a stratified cluster sample of 606 rural married women in Hainan province completed an interviewer-administered standardized questionnaire.


RESULTS
Overall, 39% of participants reported at least 1 RTI symptom in their lifetime and 20% during the past 6 months. Having had premarital sex, having sex during menstruation, belonging to an ethnic minority, being knowledgeable about RTIs, and living in a village at medium economic level were all related to having RTI symptoms.


CONCLUSIONS
Among married women in rural China, the prevalence of RTI symptoms was high, indicating the need for health education, particularly targeting women from ethnic minorities and resource-poor areas.
Xia
Dong-Yan
DY
Department of Epidemiology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing.
Liao
Su-Su
SS
He
Qi-Ya
QY
Choi
Kyung-Hee
KH
Mandel
Jeffrey S
JS
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002681:China / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D005831:Genital Diseases, Female / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012423:Rural Health; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016387:Women's Health