Abstract

BACKGROUND: Trichomoniasis is known as a common venereal disease. It is estimated that 180 million people in the world are infected with this disease. The present study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of (Trichomonas vaginalis) T. vaginalis among women who were referred to the central laboratory in Ilam. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 481 women with suspicious symptoms of trichomoniasis were selected during the first six months of 2015 in the central laboratory and Shahid Mostafa laboratory in Ilam, Iran. All patients were referred to the labs by gynecologists. Sterile swabs were used to collect direct smears. The results and questionnaire data were entered into SPSS version 16 and were analyzed using chi-square test and Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: Direct smear of T. vaginalis demonstrated seven positive cases (1.5). The highest and the lowest percentages of T. vaginalis infection in women were related to the 45-50 and 20-30 years age groups, respectively. Illiterate women had the highest percentage of infection. No significant relationship was found between the level of education and trichomoniasis infection in women (p = 0.085). The highest infection rate was associated with the use of ectopic contraceptive methods (condoms). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of T. vaginalis was low among women in Ilam but was high among women who have used tubal ligation and condom to prevent pregnancy. Therefore, more attention is required from healthcare centers for appropriate education to women about the proper use of protective equipment.