Relationship of Non-Barrier Contraception with Reproductive Tract Infections Among Ever Married Women of Reproductive Age in Rural Haryana: A Crosssectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Reproductive tract infections (RTI) have been reported to have a prevalence rate between 19–71% in various parts of the country. Contraceptives have been used since decades and the use of contraceptives and its relation with RTI needs to be evaluated.
Aim: To determine the relationship between RTI and contraception among females of reproductive age.
Settings and Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted at a sub district level hospital in Haryana among the reproductive age females visiting the Gynaecology OPD.
Methods and Materials: A total of 134 females aged 15–65 years or above, visiting the health facility, were interviewed using a predesigned, semi structured interview schedule for certain factors related to reproductive history, by taking six eligible females every week for from November 2016 April 2017. The variable studied were education, marital status, age at marriage, socioeconomic status, contraceptive practices and parity.
Results: RTI was reported in 51.5% of the subjects and it was significantly related to use of non-barrier contraception, age <40 years and religion. Vaginal discharge, itching and lower abdominal pain were most commonly reported symptoms.
Conclusion: Despite enormous reproductive and child health programmes, RTI is still a big burden for our women, which risks their healthy life as it makes them prone to diseases like cervical cancer. Barrier contraception lowers the risk of RTIs.

Keywords: RTI, cross sectional study, reproductive history, barrier contraception, rural

Cite this Article
Latika Rohilla, Har Ashish Jindal,
Amanjot Kaur et al. Relationship of
Non-Barrier Contraception with
Reproductive Tract Infections Among
Ever Married Women of Reproductive
Age in Rural Haryana: A crosssectional
Study. Research & Reviews:
Journal of Medicine. 2017; 7(2):
26–32p.