Low prevalence of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections in young women attending a youth counselling service in Maputo, Mozambique
Document Type
Article
Department
Obstetrics and Gynaecology (East Africa)
Abstract
Objectives To determine the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in a group of young women attending the Adolescent and Youth Friendly Service, in Maputo, Mozambique, and to evaluate their level of knowledge, practices and attitudes about STI. Methods A total of 445 women voluntarily participated in the study and filled in a self-administered knowledge, practices and attitudes (KAP) questionnaire; 435 of them underwent a laboratory examination for vaginosis, candidiasis, trichomoniasis, gonorrhoea, chlamydiosis, syphilis and HIV infection. Results Women had a high level of awareness and knowledge of STI and HIV. Candidiasis was the most prevalent reproductive tract infection (36%), followed by vaginosis (13%) and trichomoniasis (7.6%), and sexually transmitted diseases. HIV seroprevalence was 4%; 42% were negative in all tests. Conclusion The low prevalence of STI and HIV may be related in part to the high level of awareness registered in the group.
Publication (Name of Journal)
Tropical Medicine & International Health
Recommended Citation
Melo, J.,
Folgosa, E.,
Manjate, D.,
Osman, N.,
Francois, I.,
Temmerman, M.,
Cappuccinelli, P.,
Colombo, M. M.
(2008). Low prevalence of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections in young women attending a youth counselling service in Maputo, Mozambique. Tropical Medicine & International Health, 13(1), 17-20.
Available at:
https://ecommons.aku.edu/eastafrica_fhs_mc_obstet_gynaecol/600
Comments
This work was published before the author joined Aga Khan University.