Prevalence and associated factors of genital and sexually transmitted infections in married women of Iran

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of genital and sexually transmitted infections and its related factors in married women in Iran

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 4 274 married women living in urban and rural areas of the Zanjan province from 2012 to 2013. We used stratified cluster sampling to select the participants. Data collection included demographic characteristics, reproductive status, and cervical cytology results

Results: The prevalence of lower genital infections and sexually transmitted infections were 20.1% and 7.4%, respectively. The most common vaginal infection was bacterial vaginosis with a prevalence of 8.5%, and the most common sexually transmitted infection was Trichomonas vaginalis [1.4%]. The use of the intrauterine device [IUD] as a contraceptive, living in an urban area, and experiencing vaginal discharge were significantly related to genital tract and sexually transmitted infections

Conclusions: There was a high prevalence of genital infection among women living in Zanjab. Screening and treatment of genital infection are necessary to prevent adverse consequences in women who use an IUD or live in urban areas

[Menstrual cycle pattern, its related disorders and associated factors in students of Zanjan, Iran]

Menstrual cycle is one of the most important experiences of adolescents during puberty and reproduction, and its disorders can cause many problems at various stages of reproductive life. This study was carried out aimed to determining the menstrual cycle pattern, its associated disorders, and some related factors in female students in Zanjan city. In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 876 guidance and high school female students of Zanjan city were selected using multistage cluster sampling. Data collection method was a questionnaire containing demographic characteristics, menstrual cycle status and some of its related factors. Data were analyzed by descriptive and deductive statistical methods at the confidence level of 95%. The significance level was considered to be p<0.05. In this study, almost 63% of the research units had a regular menstrual cycle. The prevalence of menstrual cycle length was 37.7%, which was mostly [60.4%] oligomenorrhea. Also, 67% of students with moderate physical activity had regular menstrual cycle [p=0.002]. The relationship between underweight, overweight, and obesity and amenorrhea and oligomenorrhea was significant [p=0.01]. Concerning the relationship between menstrual disorders and physical activity and weight of the students and its high importance in their physical and reproductive health, it seems necessary to increase awareness of students and families about this issue