[Genital infections in women attending a Primary Unit of Health: prevalence and risk behaviors].
OBJECTIVE
to describe the prevalence and behavioral profile of genital infections in women attended at a Primary Health Unit in Vitoria, ES.


METHODS
a transversal study including 14 to 49-year-old women attended by the Family Health Program (FHP). Exclusion criteria were: having been submitted to gynecological examination in less than one year before, and history of recent treatment (in the last three months) for genital infections. An interview including socio-demographic, clinical and behavioral data was applied. Genital specimens were collected for cytology, GRAM bacterioscopy and culture, and urine sample for molecular biological test for Chlamydia trachomatis.


RESULTS
two hundred and ninety-nine women took part in the study. The median age was 30.0 (interquartile interval: 24;38) years old; the average age of the first intercourse was 17.3 (sd=3.6) years old. The first pregnancy average age was 19.2 (3.9) years old. About 70% reported up to 8 years of schooling; 5% reported previous Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD), and 8%, the use of illicit drugs. Only 23.7% reported consistent use of condoms. Clinical complaints were: genital ulcer (3%); dysuria (7.7%); vaginal discharge (46.6%): pruritus (20%) and pelvic pain (18%). Prevalence rates were: Chlamydia trachomatis 7.4%; gonorrhea 2%; trichomoniasis 2%; bacterial vaginosis 21.3%; candidiasis 9.3%; and cytological changes suggestive of HPV 3.3%. In the final logistic regression model, the factors independently associated to genital infections were: abnormal cervical mucus, OR=9.7 (CI95%=5.6-13.7), previous HIV testing, OR=6.5 (CI95%=4.0-8.9), having more than one partner during the previous year, OR=3.9 (CI95%=2.7-5.0), and having more than one partner in life, OR=4.7 (CI95%=2.4-6.8).


CONCLUSIONS
results show a high rate of genital infections and the need of preventive measures, such as STD surveys and risk reduction programs for women that look for routine gynecological service.
Barcelos
Mara Rejane Barroso
MR
Programa Saúde Família, Prefeitura Municipal de Vitória, ES, Brazil. mararsb@gmail.com
Vargas
Paulo Roberto Merçon de
PR
Baroni
Carla
C
Miranda
Angélica Espinosa
AE
D000293:Adolescent; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005831:Genital Diseases, Female / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000382:microbiology*; D006268:Health Facilities; D006801:Humans; D015995:Prevalence; D011320:Primary Health Care; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D055815:Young Adult