A Community-based study of risk factors for Trichomonas vaginalis infection among women and their male partners in Moshi urban district, northern Tanzania.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to determine predictors of Trichomonas vaginalis among women and their partners in Moshi, Tanzania.

STUDY

DESIGN

Women (N = 1440) and their partners (N = 588) were interviewed and specimens for detection of T. vaginalis and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) were collected.

RESULTS

Prevalence of T. vaginalis was 10.7% in women and 6.3% in men. Having a partner with T. vaginalis was the strongest risk factor in women (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 19.44; 95% confidence interval [CI], 7.84-48.25) and men (adjusted OR, 19.01; 95% CI, 6.8-52.40). Risk of T. vaginalis infection was increased in subjects with less education. Other risk factors in women were daily alcohol consumption, being separated, reporting infertility problems, having a partner who had children with other women, and other STIs; and in men, the risk factor was having no income. T. vaginalis was not associated with HIV-1 in women and men.

CONCLUSIONS

Prevention of T. vaginalis and other STIs among couples is a major priority. Reduction of alcohol consumption in women is an important intervention.