Project – The Prevalence of Biology(BIO) Trichomoniasis among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in Government hospital.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the protozoan parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. It remains one of the most common non-viral STIs globally, yet it is often underdiagnosed due to its frequently asymptomatic nature, particularly among women. According to global health estimates, over 150 million new cases occur annually, with the highest burden observed in developing countries where access to routine screening and sexual health education is limited (World Health Organization, 2022).

Among women of reproductive age, trichomoniasis is of significant public health concern because of its association with adverse reproductive and pregnancy outcomes. Studies have shown that the infection is linked to preterm delivery, low birth weight, premature rupture of membranes, and increased susceptibility to HIV infection (Kissinger, 2015). Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable due to physiological and immunological changes that occur during pregnancy, which may increase susceptibility to infections.

In sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria, the prevalence of trichomoniasis is reported to be higher than in developed regions due to factors such as limited access to antenatal screening services, low awareness of sexually transmitted infections, cultural barriers to reproductive health discussions, and inadequate laboratory diagnostic facilities (Okonko et al., 2016). In many antenatal clinics, routine screening for trichomoniasis is not always prioritized compared to other infections such as HIV, hepatitis B, and syphilis, despite its potential complications during pregnancy.

In Nigeria, studies conducted in different regions have reported varying prevalence rates among pregnant women, ranging from 7% to over 25%, depending on the diagnostic method and population studied (Onifade & Oloyede, 2018). However, there remains limited data specifically focusing on antenatal attendees in Ilorin, Kwara State, making it difficult to fully understand the local burden of the disease and its implications for maternal and neonatal health outcomes.

Government hospitals in Ilorin serve as major referral centers for pregnant women from both urban and rural communities. These facilities provide antenatal care services that include routine check-ups, laboratory investigations, and health education. Despite these services, there is still a gap in systematic screening and documentation of trichomoniasis cases among pregnant women. This gap underscores the need for localized research to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of trichomoniasis in this population.

Understanding the prevalence of trichomoniasis among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in government hospitals in Ilorin is essential for improving maternal health outcomes, informing public health interventions, and strengthening routine antenatal screening programs. This study therefore seeks to investigate the prevalence of trichomoniasis among pregnant women in selected government hospitals in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Despite the increasing global attention to maternal health and the prevention of sexually transmitted infections, trichomoniasis remains a neglected infection in many low-resource settings, including Nigeria. In antenatal care settings, much emphasis is often placed on infections such as HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B, while trichomoniasis is frequently overlooked, even though it has been associated with serious obstetric and neonatal complications.

In Ilorin, pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in government hospitals may be exposed to this infection without routine screening or proper diagnosis. The asymptomatic nature of Trichomonas vaginalis infection further complicates early detection, allowing the infection to persist untreated and increasing the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes.

There is also insufficient local data on the prevalence of trichomoniasis among pregnant women in Ilorin. Without reliable epidemiological data, healthcare providers and policymakers may underestimate the burden of the infection, leading to inadequate integration of screening protocols into routine antenatal care services. This lack of data also limits the development of targeted intervention strategies aimed at reducing maternal and neonatal complications associated with the infection.

Furthermore, socio-cultural factors such as stigma surrounding sexually transmitted infections, limited awareness of reproductive health issues, and poor health-seeking behavior may contribute to the continued spread of trichomoniasis among pregnant women. If left unaddressed, this could contribute to increased rates of preterm labor, low birth weight, and other pregnancy-related complications in the study area.

Therefore, the problem this study addresses is the lack of empirical data on the prevalence of trichomoniasis among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in government hospitals in Ilorin, as well as the potential public health implications of this gap in knowledge.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The main objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of trichomoniasis among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in government hospitals in Ilorin, Kwara State.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The specific objectives of this study are to:

1. Determine the prevalence of Trichomonas vaginalis infection among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in government hospitals in Ilorin.
2. Identify the demographic factors associated with trichomoniasis among the respondents.
3. Examine the behavioral factors associated with trichomoniasis among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics.
4. Assess the level of awareness of pregnant women regarding trichomoniasis and its complications.

1.4 Research Questions

Based on the objectives, the study seeks to answer the following questions:

1. What is the prevalence of trichomoniasis among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in government hospitals in Ilorin?
2. What demographic factors are associated with trichomoniasis among pregnant women in the study area?
3. What behavioral factors are associated with trichomoniasis among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics?
4. What is the level of awareness of pregnant women regarding trichomoniasis and its health implications?

1.5 Research Hypothesis

H₀: There is no significant relationship between trichomoniasis infection and selected socio-demographic factors among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics

H₁: There is a significant relationship between trichomoniasis infection and selected socio-demographic factors among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics

1.6 Significance of the Study

The study will be significant in several ways. First, it will provide empirical data on the prevalence of trichomoniasis among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Ilorin. Such data is currently limited in the study area, and the findings will therefore serve as a reliable reference point for healthcare providers, researchers, and policymakers in understanding the burden of the infection within this population.

Second, the study will contribute to improving clinical practice in antenatal care settings. By identifying the prevalence and associated factors of trichomoniasis, the findings will assist healthcare providers in strengthening screening procedures, ensuring early detection, and improving case management of sexually transmitted infections during pregnancy.

Third, the study will be valuable to public health planning and policy development. The results will highlight the need for integrating routine screening for trichomoniasis into standard antenatal care protocols, alongside other commonly tested infections. This may help reduce the incidence of undiagnosed infections and improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes.

Fourth, the findings will enhance awareness among pregnant women regarding trichomoniasis and other sexually transmitted infections. Increased awareness is expected to promote positive behavioral change, encourage timely health-seeking behavior, and reduce risky sexual practices that contribute to the spread of infections during pregnancy.

Fifth, the study will serve as an educational resource for health educators and community health workers. It will provide evidence-based information that can be used in health promotion campaigns, antenatal counseling sessions, and community outreach programs aimed at improving maternal health awareness in Ilorin and surrounding areas.

Finally, the study will contribute to the body of academic literature and serve as a foundation for future research. Researchers interested in sexually transmitted infections, maternal health, and reproductive epidemiology may build on the findings to conduct more advanced studies in Nigeria and other similar low-resource settings.

1.7 Scope of the Study

This study is limited to pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in selected government hospitals in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. It focuses specifically on the prevalence of trichomoniasis, associated risk factors, and awareness levels among the respondents. Private hospitals and non-pregnant women are excluded from the study.

1.8 Operational Definition of Terms

Trichomoniasis: A sexually transmitted infection caused by the protozoan parasite Trichomonas vaginalis, which affects the urogenital tract of infected individuals, particularly women.

Trichomonas vaginalis: A microscopic, flagellated protozoan parasite responsible for causing trichomoniasis in humans, transmitted mainly through sexual contact.

Prevalence: The proportion or percentage of pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in government hospitals in Ilorin who are found to be infected with trichomoniasis at the time of the study.

Pregnant Women: Females who are confirmed to be carrying a developing fetus within the uterus and are attending antenatal clinics for routine maternal healthcare services.

Antenatal Clinic: A healthcare service unit within a hospital where pregnant women receive regular medical check-ups, laboratory investigations, counseling, and preventive care before childbirth.

Government Hospital: A public health facility owned, funded, and managed by the government, providing medical services including antenatal care to the general population.

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Infections that are primarily transmitted through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, or oral intercourse, and may include diseases such as trichomoniasis, gonorrhea, and syphilis.

Demographic Factors: Social and personal characteristics of respondents such as age, marital status, education level, and occupation that may influence the risk of infection.

Behavioral Factors: Lifestyle and sexual behaviors such as number of sexual partners, condom use, and sexual health practices that may contribute to the risk of acquiring trichomoniasis.

Awareness: The level of knowledge and understanding possessed by pregnant women regarding trichomoniasis, its causes, symptoms, transmission, prevention, and complications.

Project – The Prevalence of Biology(BIO) Trichomoniasis among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in Government hospital.