Prevalence and Awareness about Chlamydial Infection in Women Undergoing Infertility Evaluation in Lagos; Nigeria

ABSTRACT

Purpose: To determine the prevalence and level of awareness of genital Chlamydia trachomatis infection and possible correlative factors among women undergoing infertility evaluation. Methods: The study involved analysis of demographics and results of chlamydia screening in 77 infertile women undergoing evaluation over a six month period in Lagos; Nigeria. Results: The mean age was 32 + 6.4 yr (range 20-39 yr). Chlamydia screening was positive in 14 (18.2). Awareness about the existence; symptomatology; mode of infection and complications was poor. Statistically significant correlation existed between prevalence of chlamydia infection and age; previous history of sexual infection and minimum of one sexual partner in the last one year (p 0.05). The prevalence also increased in secondarily infertile and married women. Conclusion: Chlamydia prevalence was relatively high in women undergoing infertility evaluation in Lagos; with positive correlative factors being increasing age of women; previous sexual infection and one or more sexual partners