Prevalence and Risk Factors of Trichomonas vaginalis Infection among Female Students of Prince Abubakar Audu University, Nigeria

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence rate and associated risk factors of Trichomonas vaginalis infection among undergraduate female students at Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, Kogi State, Nigeria. Methods: This cross-sectional and institutional-based study involved female students who consented to screening. A total of four hundred (400) high vaginal swab samples were randomly collected from consenting female students and analyzed by wet mount preparation. Demographic and clinical information about the participants was obtained using prepared questionnaires. Results: It was observed that the overall prevalence of T. vaginalis infection among the 400 female participants was 170 (42.5%). The age ranges 14–18 and 24-28 had the highest prevalence of 50%, while the age range 19–23 had the least prevalence of 41.2%. The Ebira tribe had the highest prevalence of 60%, while the lowest prevalence was 0.0% among Hausa and others. Islam had the highest prevalence of 66.7%, while Christianity had the lowest prevalence of 40.5%. Students at the 100 level had the highest prevalence of 50%, and those at the 200 level had the least prevalence of 38.5%. There was no significant association between T. vaginalis infection and predisposing factors such as douching, sanitation, and sexual habits. However, the study did find that females who did not use sanitary pads were at a significantly higher risk of infection, while females who did not douche their vagina with antiseptic or deodorant products had a slightly higher risk of infection. Conclusion: It is clear from the results of the present study that Prince Abubakar Audu University's undergraduate female students are at a high prevalence of 42.5% for Trichomonas vaginalis infection. The study offers crucial information about the incidence of T. vaginalis infection and the risk factors connected to it among female participants in the study area. The high prevalence of infection highlights the need for increased awareness and education about the infection and its prevention in the study area.