Reproductive Tract Disorders among Afghan Refugee Women Attending Health Clinics in Haripur, Pakistan.
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Date
2010-10
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Abstract
Afghans comprise one of the largest groups of refugees in the world, with the majority living in Pakistan.
The objective of this study was to identify commonly-occurring reproductive tract infections (RTIs), describe
knowledge of women about RTIs, and assess physical and behavioural factors contributing to the development
of RTIs. Afghan women presenting at Basic Health Units in refugee camps in Haripur, Pakistan,
with reproductive health-related complaints, were included in the study (n=634). Data collection included
implementation of an interviewer-administered questionnaire, along with a physical examination and
laboratory tests. A descriptive analysis was conducted first. Qualitative data were coded and analyzed using
predetermined themes. Chi-square test was used for determining the possible relationships between a
binary outcome and categorical risk factors. Over three-fourths (76.7%) of those who reported to the health
clinics with reproductive complaints had an RTI. Nearly half (49.5%) of these women were diagnosed with
some form of vaginitis, and 14.7% were diagnosed with clinical suspicion of pelvic inflammatory disease
(PID). Women with cervical prolapse (p=0.033) or who cleansed after intercourse (p=0.002) were more
likely to have vaginitis. There was a significant difference (p=0.017) in the prevalence of suspected PID
among women who used mud only (11.1%), any water (18.8%), and an old cloth or toilet paper (9.8%) for
cleansing after defaecation. Specific physical and behavioural contributors to the high prevalence of RTIs in
this population were identified, and recommendations to ameliorate these factors are offered.
Description
Keywords
Maternal health services, Maternal welfare, Morbidity, Pelvic inflammatory disease, Prolapse, Afghanistan
Citation
Balsara Z P, Wu I, Marsh D R, Ihsan A T, Nazir R, Owoso E, Robinson C, Darmstadt G L. Reproductive Tract Disorders among Afghan Refugee Women Attending Health Clinics in Haripur, Pakistan. Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition. 2010 Oct; 28(5): 501-508.