A comparative study of Trichomonas vaginalis prevalence in Filipino women.

ABSTRACT

A comparative study of Trichomonas vaginalis prevalence among Filipino women is presented herein. A total of 288 women randomly drawn from various sources, including Social Hygiene clinics, Health Centers, and Family Planning Centers in the Metropolitan Manila Area were examined for T. vaginalis. Nineteen or (6.8%) were found positive either by wet mount or stained smear methods. Prevalence was significantly higher among the group of single than married women and five times higher among the waitress/hostess group than in the housewife/other group. Infection was related to parity and is significantly higher among nulliparous women. Likewise, a significant relationship was observed between prevalence of infection and gravidity. Prevalence decreases with increasing gravidity. No relationship in prevalence was observed between the use and non-use of contraceptives, and the method of contraceptive used. There was no significant association between the presence of the parasite and symptoms.