Trichomonasis is one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Africa. This cross-sectional study investigated the prevalence of trichomoniasis and its associated risk factors in Ijebu-North Local Government Area, Ogun State Southwest Nigeria. High vaginal swabs were collected from 172 female participants between October and December 2020 and examined for Trichomonas vaginalis (the causative agent of trichomoniasis) using microscopic technique. Structured questionnaires were administered tothe 172 participants also to obtain demographic, knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) data regarding trichomoniasis. Data were analysed in SPSS 24.0 using descriptive, chi square statistics and logistic regression and significant level was set at 95%. Results showedthat an overall prevalence of 48.8% was observed. Infections were significantly associated with increasing age amongparticipants (p < 0.05). Those between age 16-20 years (OR = 29.9, 95% CI: 3.19 – 226.9) and participants living in Oru-Ijebu (OR = 2.92, 95% CI: 1.06 -8.01) represents the high-risk group. More than 80% of the participants had not heard of trichomoniasis before the study, and did not know the transmission pathways or how to prevent it. This finding therefore highlights the need for intensive sexual health education for females above age 16 in these areas in line with the global response to control trichomoniasis and other STIs.
Key words: Ijebu-North, Nigeria, Ogun State, Trichomoniasis, Women
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