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International Digital Organization for Scientific Research IDOSRJES101.1929.24

IDOSR JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL SCIENCES 10(1): 19-29, 2024.
https://doi.org/10.59298/IDOSR/JES/101.1929.1224
Prevalence and Factors Associated with Sexually
Transmitted Diseases Among Women of Reproductive
Age Group at Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital,
Uganda
Muledhu Eric

Faculty of Clinical Medicine and Dentistry, Kampala International University Western Campus Uganda.

ABSTRACT
Sexually transmitted diseases are a significant public health concern in Uganda, particularly among women of
reproductive age. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with STDs among women
of reproductive age at Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital, Uganda. A cross-sectional study was conducted
among 302 women of reproductive age attending the hospital’s outpatient department between August 2023 and
November 2023. Data were collected using interviewer-administered questionnaires. Descriptive and logistic
regression analyses were conducted to determine the prevalence and factors associated with STDs. The
prevalence of STDs among women of reproductive age attending Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital was
found to be 27.2%. Factors significantly associated with STDs included being residence outside the city (adjusted
odds ratio [aOR] 2.30, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.21-4.38), age group 20-29 (aOR 2.42, 95% CI 1.05-5.57),
having more than 3 sexual partners (aOR 2.13, 95% CI 1.19-3.80) and not using a condom during sexual
intercourse (aOR 0.55, 95% CI 0.31-0.98). Additionally, women who reported an increased frequency of sexual
activity were more likely to have current STDs (aOR 1.88, 95% CI 1.10-3.21). The prevalence of STDs among
women of reproductive age at Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital was high, and several factors were
identified as significant predictors of STDs. These findings highlight the need for targeted STD prevention and
control interventions, including increased STD screening, counselling on condom use, and promoting safe
sexual practices among women of reproductive age in the region.
Keyword: STDs, Productive age, Women, Condom, Sexual activities, Sexual partners.

INTRODUCTION
The global burden of sexually transmitted pregnancy, chronic pelvic pain, cervical cancer, and
infections (STDs) and STDs has been a public increased vulnerability to HIV [4 -7]. The study is
health concern for decades. According to the World informed by the social-ecological model, which
Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 376 recognizes the multi-level factors that influence
million new cases of curable STDs occur annually health behaviours and outcomes [8]. The social-
among people aged 15-49 years worldwide, with ecological model suggests that individual,
the highest burden in low- and middle-income interpersonal, community, and societal factors
countries (LMICs) such as Uganda [1, 2]. In interact to influence health outcomes. In the
Uganda, the prevalence of STDs among women of context of STD transmission, individual factors
reproductive age is high, with a prevalence of 5.7% such as age, sex, and sexual behaviours,
for syphilis, 3.3% for gonorrhoea, and 2.2% for interpersonal factors such as partner characteristics
chlamydia reported in a national survey conducted and communication, community factors such as
in 2016 [3]. Furthermore, HIV prevalence among access to sexual and reproductive health services,
women of reproductive age in Uganda is 6.7%, and societal factors such as stigma and
which is higher than the national prevalence of discrimination all play a role in shaping STD
5.7% [3]. STDs among women of reproductive age transmission patterns [9]. Research has shown
have significant adverse health and social that the social-ecological model can be useful in
consequences, including infertility, ectopic understanding and addressing STD transmission.
19
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For example, studies have found that individual transmission in the study population. Fort Portal
factors such as age, sex, and sexual behaviours are Regional Referral Hospital (FPRRH) is a public
strongly associated with STD risk [9]. Other healthcare facility located in western Uganda.
research has highlighted the role of interpersonal According to the Uganda Ministry of Health, the
factors such as communication, trust, and partner hospital has an estimated catchment population of
concurrency in shaping STD transmission patterns 1.2 million people, and it is estimated that over 80%
[10]. Community-level factors such as access to of the patients seen at the hospital are from the
sexual and reproductive health services have also surrounding rural areas [16].
been shown to play a critical role in STD Statement of Problem
prevention and management [11]. Finally, broader Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are a global
societal factors such as poverty, gender inequality, public health problem, affecting millions of people
and stigma have been found to contribute to the worldwide. According to the World Health
high burden of STDs in many settings [12]. The Organization (WHO), more than one million
social-ecological model can help guide sexually transmitted infections (STDs) are acquired
interventions to reduce the burden of STDs by every day globally, with the majority occurring in
identifying the multiple levels of influence that low- and middle-income countries [17]. Women of
contribute to STD transmission and targeting reproductive age are particularly vulnerable to
interventions accordingly. For example, STDs due to various factors such as biological
interventions targeting individual factors might susceptibility, societal norms, and gender-based
focus on promoting condom use, reducing the violence [18]. In Uganda, the burden of STDs
number of sexual partners, and improving among women of reproductive age is significant,
communication skills. Interventions targeting with various studies reporting high prevalence
interpersonal factors might focus on promoting rates of STDs such as HIV, syphilis, and chlamydia
communication and trust between sexual partners, [19]. Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital
while interventions targeting community-level (FPRRH) serves as a major healthcare facility in
factors might focus on improving access to sexual the Rwenzori sub-region of Uganda, providing care
and reproductive health services. Finally, to over one million people. Despite the availability
interventions targeting societal factors might focus of prevention and treatment services for STDs at
on reducing poverty, improving gender equality, FPRRH, the burden of STDs among women of
and reducing stigma and discrimination [12 - 15]. reproductive age remains high. Furthermore,
Overall, the social-ecological model provides a limited research has been conducted on the
useful framework for understanding and addressing prevalence and factors associated with STDs
the complex factors that contribute to the high among women attending FPRRH. Therefore, there
burden of STDs among women of reproductive age is a need to investigate the prevalence and factors
at FPRRH. By taking a multi-level approach, the associated with STDs among women of
study can help identify the most effective reproductive age at FPRRH. This study aims to
interventions for reducing STD transmission in investigate the prevalence and factors associated
this population. The study focuses on the with STDs among women of reproductive age at
prevalence and factors associated with STDs Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital (FPRRH)
among women of reproductive age at FPRRH. The and provide insights into the effectiveness of
study used a cross-sectional design to collect data current prevention and treatment strategies.
on the prevalence of STDs, and demographic and
behavioural factors associated with STD
METHODOLOGY
Study Design hospital in the town of Fort Portal, within Kabarole
This study employed the cross-sectional study District in Western Uganda. It is the referral
design. This is because this study design is mainly hospital for patients from other health facilities
associated with qualitative analysis which is the within districts like Bundibugyo, Kamwenge,
goal the researcher for this particular study was Kasese, Ntoroko and Kyenjojo. The hospital is
trying to achieve [20]. The study design helped approximately 295 kilometres (183 mi), by road,
me to investigate the prevalence and factors west of Kampala, Uganda's capital and largest city
associated with the development of STDs among in Uganda. The coordinates of the hospital
women of reproductive age group at FPRRH. are:0°39'19.0" N, 30°16'53.0" E (Latitude:0.655278;
Area of Study Longitude:30.281389). Fort Portal Hospital is a
Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital, sometimes public hospital, funded by the Uganda Ministry of
referred to as Buhinga Hospital by the locals, is a Health and general care in the hospital is free. It is
20
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one of the 13 "Regional Referral Hospitals" in to the development of STDs. The participants
Uganda. The hospital is one of the 15 "Internship consented, and detailed history and physical
placement Hospitals" in Uganda where graduates examination were taken & performed respectively.
of Ugandan medical schools can practice for one Diagnosis of STD was made by the doctor on duty
year of internship under the supervision of qualified using laboratory methods. All the women who met
specialists and consultants. The hospital has a bed the inclusion criteria were given the questionnaires
capacity of approximately 333 and it serves both in- which were in English. Help & translation was
patient and out-patient services. given to those who needed it. Proper management
Study Population of the STD was given to the patients.
The population of this study were the women of Data Processing and Analysis
reproductive age group who had visited FPRRH. Data was collected from the questionnaires and was
The reproductive age group is between ages 15 – entered within Microsoft Excel version 2019, and
49 years old. then later exported to the IBM SPSS application.
Inclusion Criteria Socio-demographic and behavioural factors were
Women of the reproductive age group (15-49 years) summarized as frequencies and percentages.
who visited FPRRH at either the OPD or Proportions, percentages and frequencies were used
gynaecological ward for any reason and are willing for categorical variables using the SPSS
to participate in the study. programme. The extent of the relationship between
Exclusion Criteria the independent and dependent variables was
Women who weren’t between the age group. examined using an adjusted odd ratio with a 95%
Women who weren’t willing to participate and Confidence Interval. A P-value less than 0.05 was
declined to give informed consent. considered as significant. Finally, results were
Sample Size Determination presented in charts and tables [21].
The sample size was determined using the formula Quality Control
of Kish Leslie (1965) which is listed below: ➢ Adhering strictly to the inclusion & exclusion
n = z²p (1-p) / e² criteria groups
Where; ➢ Pre-testing of the questionnaire before it was
n = estimated minimum sample size required used.
p = proportion of women with STDs (26.9%) as per
a study at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital
➢ The questionnaire was checked for
completeness before it was used to ensure that
(Lorenz et al., 2016).
valid data was obtained.
z = 1.96 (for 95% Confidence Interval)
e = margin of error set at 5% ➢ The team that was collecting data from the
Therefore; patients was well-trained.
Ethical Consideration
1.962 𝑥 0.269 𝑥 (1−0.269)
n= Permission was sought and granted by the
0.052 Executive Director of Fort Portal Regional
n = 302 participants. Referral Hospital before pursuing this study.
Sampling Technique Ethical approval was also sought from the IREC of
This study employed the non-specific sampling KIU-TH to ensure that the study adhered to
technique, particularly accidental sampling until acceptable ethical guidelines. The participants were
the required sample size was attained. In accidental selected using the accidental sampling technique
sampling, we assessed women of the reproductive while strictly adhering to the eligibility criteria.
age group who happened to be available at the When the required sample size was obtained, the
gynaecological ward/OPD and had come for collection exercise was closed. No bias was
various reasons. involved in terms of tribe, religion, race or any
Data Collection Method and Management interest group. Participating in the study was
In this study, the Questionnaire method was voluntary. Counselling and education about the
employed. The questionnaire was both closed and study was done & explained to the voluntary
open-ended. It involved both a list of specific recruitment in the language best understood by
questions and also questions allowing the them. They were given consent forms to sign.
respondents to provide their responses. The They were free to withdraw from the study at any
questionnaire collected demographic information time as they wished without coercion or
and also information on factors that may be related compromise of care they were entitled to [22].

21
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RESULTS
Prevalence of STDs among women of the participants who tested positive for an STI
reproductive age group at FPRRH. were between the ages of 20-29 years (60.3%),
Out of the 302 women of reproductive age who unmarried (74.4%), had attained at least a
participated in the study, 82 (27.2%) had at least secondary level of education (79.5%), and had more
one sexually transmitted disease. The majority of than one sexual partner in the past year (64.1%).

Had STD
27.2

No STD
72.8

Figure 1: Prevalence of STD among women of reproductive age group at FPRRH

Socio-demographic factors associated with education (n=169, 56.0%), while a smaller

STDs among women of reproductive age group proportion had only primary education (n=71,
at FPRRH. 23.5%), and no formal education (n=24, 7.9%). The
The study included a total of 302 women of majority of the participants were employed (n=174,
reproductive age who visited Fort Portal Regional 57.6%), while a smaller proportion were
Referral Hospital for various reasons. The majority unemployed (n=128, 42.4%). The majority of the
of the participants were aged between 20-29 years participants (68.5%) were from outside the city,
(n=177, 58.6%), followed by those aged 30-39 years while the remaining 31.5% were from within the
(n=90, 29.8%), and those aged 40-49 years (n=23, city. In terms of religion, the majority of the
7.6%). Most of the participants were married or participants were Christians (87.0%), followed by
cohabiting (n=203, 67.2%), followed by those who Muslims (10.0%) and 5.0% belonged to other
were unmarried (n=99, 32.8%). More than half of religions.
the participants had attained at least secondary

22
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Table 1: Socio-demographic factors of women of reproductive age group at FPRRH

Variable Frequency, n=302 Percentage, %
Age
15-19 12 4.0
20-29 177 58.6
30-39 90 29.8
40-49 23 7.6
Marital status
Married or Cohabiting 203 67.2
Unmarried 99 32.8
Level of education
None 24 7.9
Primary 71 23.5
Secondary 169 56.0
Tertiary 38 12.6
Occupation
Employed 174 57.6
Unemployed 128 42.4
Residence
Within the city 95 31.5
Outside the city 207 68.5
Religion
Christians 244 80.8
Muslims 43 14.2
Other religions 15 5.0

Factors associated with STDs among women of having two sexual partners. The remaining 12.9%
reproductive age group at FPRRH. reported having three or more sexual partners. The
Out of the 302 women who participated in the majority of the participants (81.5%) reported
study, only 38.7% reported using condoms having sexual intercourse once or twice a week,
consistently during sexual intercourse. The while 11.8% reported having sexual intercourse
majority of the participants (56.0%) reported once or twice a month. The remaining 6.7%
inconsistent use of condoms, while a small reported having sexual intercourse more than twice
proportion (5.3%) reported never using condoms. a week. About 17.2% of the participants reported
Among the study participants, 57.6% reported having a history of STIs.
having one sexual partner, while 29.5% reported

23
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Table 2: Behavioral factors of women of reproductive age group at FPRRH
Variable Frequency, n=302 Percentage, %
Condom use
Yes 117 38.7
Sometimes 169 56.0
No 16 5.3
Number of sexual partners
1 174 57.6
2 89 29.5
More than 3 39 12.9
Frequency of sexual activity
More than twice a week 20 6.7
Once or twice a week 246 81.5
Once or twice a month 36 11.8
History of STDs
Yes 52 17.2
No 250 82.8

Logistic regression analysis of STDs on socio- highest odds of having an STD compared to the
demographic factors among women of other age groups (OR = 2.42, 95% CI: 1.05-5.57, p
reproductive age group at FPRRH. < 0.05). Finally, participants residing outside the
Logistic regression analysis was conducted to city were found to have significantly higher odds
determine the relationship between of having an STD compared to those residing
sociodemographic factors and STD status. The within the city (OR = 2.30, 95% CI: 1.21-4.38, p <
results showed that age and residence were 0.05). Religion, occupation, education level, and
significantly associated with STD status. Age was marital status were not found to be significantly
found to be significantly associated with STD associated with STI status.
status, with participants aged 20-29 having the

Table 3: Logistic regression analysis of STDs on the socio-demographic factors

Variable P value aOR 95% CI
Age Lower Upper

15-19 - 1 - -
20-29 0.022* 2.42 1.05 5.57
30-39 0.051 0.58 0.42 1.12
40-49 0.491 1.01 0.78 1.53
Marital status
Married or Cohabiting - 1 - -
Unmarried 0.232 0.16 0.03 0.56
Level of education
None - 1
Primary 0.111 0.42 0.12 0.96
Secondary 0.156 1.33 0.96 1.56
Tertiary 0.201 0.68 0.23 0.76
Occupation
Employed - 1
Unemployed 0.174 0.79 0.56 0.97
Residence
Within the city - 1
Outside the city 0.041* 2.30 1.21 4.38
Religion
Christians - 1
Muslims 0.071 0.75 0.42 1.12
Other religions 0.091 1.41 0.78 1.53
24
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Logistic regression analysis of STDs on more than twice a week (OR= 1.88, 95% CI: 1.10-
behavioural factors among women of 3.21, p = 0.020) were significantly associated with
reproductive age group at FPRRH. an increased risk of acquiring STDs. However, the
Based on the logistic regression analysis of STDs history of STDs was not found to have a significant
on behavioural factors, it was found that condom association with the risk of acquiring STDs (OR =
use (OR = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.31-0.98, p = 0.042) was 1.23, 95% CI: 0.60-2.51, p = 0.572). This indicates
significantly associated with a lower risk of that a previous history of STDs did not increase the
acquiring STDs among women of reproductive age. risk of acquiring STDs among women of
Having more than 3 sexual partners (OR = 2.13, reproductive age at FPRRH in Uganda.
95% CI: 1.19-3.80, p = 0.011) and sexual activity of

Table 4: Logistic regression analysis of STDs on the behavioural factors

Variable P value aOR 95% CI
Condom use Lower Upper

No - 1 - -

Sometimes 0.201 1.22 0.57 3.21

Yes 0.042* 0.55 0.31 0.98
Number of sexual partners
1 - 1
2 0.120 0.78 0.23 1.01
More than 3 0.011* 2.13 1.19 3.80
Frequency of sexual activity
More than twice a week 0.020* 1.88 1.10 3.21
Once or twice a week 0.987 1.28 0.75 2.34
Once or twice a month - 1 - -
History of STDs
Yes - 1 - -
No 0.572 1.23 0.60 2.51

DISCUSSIONS
Prevalence of STDs among women of with a higher risk of STDs [25]. The high
reproductive age group at FPRRH. prevalence rate of STDs among women of
The prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases reproductive age in this study could also be because
(STDs) among women of reproductive age most of the women in this study were in their
attending Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital reproductive years, which is a period when sexual
was found to be 27.2%. This prevalence rate is activity is likely to be high. The high prevalence
alarming, as it indicates that a significant number rate of STDs among women of reproductive age
of women are affected by STDs. Previous studies has significant public health implications. STDs can
have reported varying prevalence rates of STDs in cause severe reproductive health problems,
different settings. A study conducted in the United including infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and
States reported a prevalence rate of 9.2% among preterm delivery [26]. Moreover, STDs have been
women aged 18 to 25 years, while a study associated with an increased risk of HIV
conducted in South Africa reported a prevalence transmission, which further exacerbates the burden
rate of 37.6% among women aged 15 to 24 years of HIV/AIDS in resource-limited settings such as
[23, 24]. The high prevalence rate of STDs among Uganda [17]. Efforts to reduce the prevalence of
women of reproductive age in this study could be STDs among women of reproductive age must be
attributed to several factors. One possible intensified. There is a need to increase awareness
explanation is low awareness and knowledge about and knowledge about STDs and their modes of
STDs. Lack of knowledge about STDs and their transmission, especially among women in their
modes of transmission can increase the risk of reproductive years. Health education campaigns
acquiring an infection. In addition, low condom use should also emphasize the importance of condom
and multiple sexual partners have been associated use and safe sexual practices. The findings of this
25
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study also suggest the need for improved screening, accessing contraception or other preventive
diagnosis, and treatment of STDs among women of measures. It is important to note that the
reproductive age attending health facilities. association between residence outside the city and
Healthcare providers should be trained to identify STDs may not be causal, and further research is
and manage STDs, and adequate resources should needed to explore the underlying factors that
be provided to ensure that they have access to the contribute to this association. Nonetheless, the
necessary diagnostic and treatment tools. Overall, a findings suggest that interventions aimed at
comprehensive and multi-sectoral approach is reducing the prevalence of STDs should consider
required to reduce the burden of STDs among the unique challenges faced by individuals living in
women of reproductive age in Uganda. rural or remote areas, and take steps to increase
Socio-demographic factors associated with access to sexual health services and promote
STDs among women of reproductive age group awareness and education about sexual health. This
at FPRRH. may include targeted outreach and education
The present study found that age (20-29) and programs, mobile health clinics, and other
residence (outside the city) were significantly strategies that can help to overcome barriers to care
associated with STDs among women of and promote early detection and treatment of STD.
reproductive age at Fort Portal Regional Referral It is important to note that this study has several
Hospital. The finding that younger age is limitations. Firstly, the study was cross-sectional,
associated with higher risk of STDs is consistent which limits our ability to draw causal inferences.
with previous studies in sub-Saharan Africa [27, 28, Secondly, the study was conducted in a hospital
29], which suggests that young women may be setting, which may limit the generalizability of the
more vulnerable due to a combination of factors, findings to the wider population. Lastly, the study
including biological, social, and economic factors. relied on self-reported data, which may be subject
The finding that residence outside the city was to social desirability bias. In conclusion, this study
significantly associated with STDs is consistent found that age (20-29) and residence (outside the
with previous studies that have found that city) were significantly associated with STDs
individuals who live in rural areas or outside urban among women of reproductive age attending Fort
centres may have limited access to sexual health Portal Regional Referral Hospital. These findings
services, including testing and treatment for STDs. highlight the need for targeted interventions to
This could be due to several factors, such as reduce the risk of STDs among young women and
distance to health facilities, lack of transportation, those residing outside the city in Uganda. Further
and limited availability of healthcare providers who research is needed to better understand the
are trained to provide sexual health services. As a underlying factors contributing to these disparities
result, individuals who live outside the city may be in STD prevalence.
less likely to seek care for STDs, leading to a Behavioral factors associated with STDs among
higher prevalence of infection. This could also be women of reproductive age group at FPRRH.
due to differences in sexual behaviours. Women The current study found that condom use,
living outside the city may have limited access to frequency of sexual activity, and number of sexual
health services, including testing and treatment for partners were significantly associated with the
STDs. Additionally, rural areas may have fewer prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
health education campaigns and limited access to among women of reproductive age. The findings
contraception, which could increase the risk of align with existing literature that suggests
unintended pregnancies and thus increase the risk behavioural factors play a crucial role in the
of STDs. Furthermore, women living outside the acquisition and spread of STDs. The study found
city may be more likely to engage in risky sexual that individuals who reported inconsistent or no
behaviours due to social and economic factors such condom use during sexual activity were at a higher
as poverty, lack of education, and limited economic risk of contracting STDs. This result is consistent
opportunities. Additionally, living outside the city with previous research that has found a positive
may also be associated with other factors that association between lack of condom use and the
increase the risk of STDs, such as lower levels of prevalence of STDs [30, 31]. The lack of condom
education and income, lack of knowledge about use increases the likelihood of transmission of
sexual health, and cultural or religious beliefs that STDs through the exchange of bodily fluids. This
discourage seeking care for sexual health issues. In finding highlights the need for consistent condom
some rural areas, there may also be social and use as a preventative measure against the
cultural norms that discourage open discussion of transmission of STDs. The use of condoms has
sexual health issues or prevent individuals from been shown to significantly reduce the risk of
26
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acquiring STDs, including HIV, gonorrhoea, association between the frequency of sexual activity
chlamydia, and syphilis. The current findings and the prevalence of STDs [23]. Individuals who
suggest that women who do not use condoms engage in sexual activity more frequently have an
consistently are at a higher risk of acquiring STDs increased likelihood of exposure to different STDs
compared to those who use condoms. The study and may be more likely to engage in risky sexual
also found that individuals who reported having behaviours. This could be due to increased
multiple sexual partners were at a higher risk of exposure to potential infection sources, as well as
acquiring STDs. This finding is consistent with increased opportunities for exposure to multiple
previous studies that have found a positive sexual partners. The findings suggest that
association between the number of sexual partners interventions aimed at reducing risky sexual
and the prevalence of STDs [32]. This could be behaviours, such as limiting the frequency of sexual
due to increased exposure to potential infection activity, can play a crucial role in preventing the
sources, as well as an increased likelihood of spread of STDs. In summary, the findings of this
encountering partners with STDs. Having multiple study suggest that condom use, number of sexual
sexual partners increases the likelihood of exposure partners, and frequency of sexual activity are
to different STDs and can facilitate the spread of significant behavioural factors associated with the
infection. The findings suggest that health prevalence of STDs among women of reproductive
education and behaviour change interventions that age. The findings highlight the need for targeted
promote safe sexual practices, such as limiting the interventions that promote safe sexual practices
number of sexual partners, can play a crucial role in and behaviour change, particularly among
preventing the spread of STDs. Lastly, the study individuals who engage in risky sexual behaviours.
found that individuals who reported engaging in These interventions can be crucial in reducing the
sexual activity more frequently were at a higher prevalence of STDs and improving the sexual
risk of acquiring STDs. This finding is consistent health of individuals.
with previous studies that have found a positive
CONCLUSION
The prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases education campaigns be intensified to increase
(STDs) among women of reproductive age at Fort awareness of the dangers of unprotected sex, and
Portal Regional Referral Hospital is relatively high, the importance of regular screening for STIs. We
with a prevalence rate of 27.2%. Age (20-29) and recommend that for individuals residing outside the
residence (outside the city), among the socio- city, efforts should be made to increase access to
demographic factors, were found to be significantly sexual health services and resources in rural areas,
associated with STDs, whereas religion, level of where residents may have limited access to such
education, occupation and employment were not resources. The study found that condom use was
found to be a significant predictor among the significantly associated with a lower risk of STIs. It
women of reproductive age at FPRRH. The is recommended that public health campaigns be
behavioural factors that were found to be intensified to promote condom use, especially
significantly associated with STDs among women among sexually active young people. We also
of reproductive age at FPRRH are not using recommend that individuals who engage in higher
condoms, having more than 3 sexual partners and levels of sexual activity or have multiple sexual
having sexual activity more than 2 times a week. partners should be targeted for education and
Recommendations interventions to reduce their risk of acquiring
The study found a high prevalence of sexually STDs. This could include promoting the use of
transmitted diseases among women of reproductive condoms, encouraging regular STI screening and
age. It is therefore recommended that health testing, and promoting healthy sexual behaviours.
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CITE AS: Muledhu, Eric (2024). Prevalence and Factors Associated with Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Among Women of Reproductive Age Group at Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital, Uganda. IDOSR
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL SCIENCES 10(1): 19-29.
https://doi.org/10.59298/IDOSR/JES/101.1929.1224

29
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License
(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in
any medium, provided the original work is properly cited