Chlamydia trachomatis infection in women attending health centres in Babol: prevalence and risk factors

ABSTRACT

We determined the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection and risk factors for infection among 550 sexually active women < 45 years attending gynaecology clinics in Babol, Islamic Republic of Iran. The women were interviewed about sociodemographic and behavioural variables associated with the infection and underwent pelvic examination and blood tests. The prevalence of C. trachomatis was 11.6%. There was a significant association between C. trachomatis infection and income, husband's education and woman's age [< 25 years], and also drug addiction of husband, non-use of condoms and not having heard of sexually transmitted infections. The only clinical signs significantly associated with infection were cervical friability and mucopurulent cervicitis.