A Study to Assess the Prevalence of Reproductive Tract Infection based on Syndromic Approach and Health-Seeking Behaviour among the Women of Reproductive Age Group in Selected Rural Areas of Kamrup District, Assam

Manasi Deka, Dolly Gurumayum

Abstract: Introduction: Reproductive tract infection (RTI) is defined as the infection of the genital tract. RTIs are presently ignored as a significant health issue which can cause serious complications ranging from pelvic inflammatory disease, preterm labour, miscarriage, infertility and even death. Aim: To estimate the prevalence and health-seeking behaviour related to reproductive tract infection among women of reproductive age group in selected rural areas of Kamrup district, Assam. Method: The study was conducted on 220 samples selected by purposive sampling technique at North Guwahati PHC and Baranghati PHC from March 2022 to April 2022. Non-experimental quantitative research approach and descriptive research design was adopted. House-to-house survey was done and data was collected using interview schedule. The samples who had at least three symptoms were considered as having RTI. Result: The prevalence of reproductive tract infection among women of reproductive age group in selected rural areas of Kamrup district, Assam is 11.4%. The most common symptom is vulval itching i.e., 33(15%). The majority (15%) of women had vulval itching followed by (12.3%) backache. The study estimates that 43 women (19.5%) sought healthcare treatment for any of the symptoms of RTI and 6 (2.7%) women use home remedies to combat the problem. Conclusion: The prevalence of reproductive tract infection was high in selected rural areas of Kamrup district, Assam. There is association between frequency of changing cloth/pad per day with the prevalence of RTI among women of reproductive age group. There is a need to educate women more on reproductive hygiene.

Keywords: Prevalence, Reproductive Tract Infection, Syndromic approach, Health-seeking behaviour, Reproductive age group

How to Cite?: Manasi Deka, Dolly Gurumayum, "A Study to Assess the Prevalence of Reproductive Tract Infection based on Syndromic Approach and Health-Seeking Behaviour among the Women of Reproductive Age Group in Selected Rural Areas of Kamrup District, Assam", Volume 12 Issue 4, April 2023, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 780-783, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR23412120545, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR23412120545