Prevalence and associated factors of sexually transmitted infections among adolescent pregnant women at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, Uganda.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa shoulder a disproportionate burden of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), yet data for pregnant teenagers in these settings are sparse.

Objectives

The study estimated the prevalence of STI seropositivity and its associated factors, among pregnant adolescents at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH), Uganda.

Design

Hospital-based cross-sectional study.

Methods

Consecutive pregnant adolescents (10-19 years) attending the MRRH antenatal clinic or maternity ward between 1 July and 30 September 2024 were enrolled. A structured questionnaire captured socio-demographic, sexual-behavioural, obstetric, clinical and nutritional variables. Blood samples were tested for HIV (Determine™/STAT-PAK™), syphilis (Treponema pal

SUBMITTER: Ochola H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12715151 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan-Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature