Objectives: The epidemiology of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Vanuatu is poorly defined. We conducted a laboratory-confirmed prevalance survey of STIs in pregnant women attending the first-visit-antenatal hospital clinic in Vila, Vanuatu. The STIs included gonorrhoea, chlamydia, trichomonas, syphilis and HIV infection. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 547 pregnant women aged 15-49 years. Testing of STIs was confidential and linked. HIV testing was unlinked and anonymous. All women were administered a questionnaire, had an antenatal exam, tampon and blood samples collected and treatment according to World Health Organization guidelines. PCR tests were performed on tampons for chlamydia, gonorrhoea, trichomonas and betaglobin. Sera were tested for HIV using ELISA testing; and for treponemal antibodies using RPR and TPHA. Results: Of the 547 women, 269 (49.2%) were aged <25 years. There were 214 (40%) pregnant women with at least 1 STI. The most prevalent STI was trichomonas (150;27.5%) then chlamydia (117; 21.5%); gonorrhoea (32;5.9%); and treponemal antibodies (13;2.4%). There were no HIV positive cases detected. Thirtysix (58.1%)of teenagers had an STI. Being single (OR=2.5, 95%CIs 1.7, 3.7) and young <25 years (OR=1.7, 95%CIs 1.2,2.6) was significantly associated with infection. Conclusion: The prevalence of STIs in pregnant women in Vila is high. The women at greatest risk for infection were single and young. Targetted treatment for STIs of all pregnant women aged <25 years attending the antenatal clinic has been implemented. It will be evaluated in 6 months to determine if it has improved the pregnancy outcomes of the women.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to: 1. Articulate the procedure for conducting adhoc prevalence surveys of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in small, under developed nations. 2. Describe the epidemic of sexually transmitted infections in pregnant women in Vanuatu and the risk factors for infection. 3. Discuss the policy and program implemented to curtail and prevent the STI epidemic in pregnant women and their babies.
Keywords: International Reproductive Health, STD
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Not applicable
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.