Prevalence and Associated Factors of Genital Chlamydia trachomatis Infection among Women of Childbearing Age in Endemic and Non-Endemic Regions of Tanzania DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ajhs.v38i3.3

Abstract

Background: Chlamydia trachomatis is the most common sexually transmitted bacterium, affecting 128.5 million people annually worldwide, leading to reproductive sequelae in women. Despite its burden, data on genital chlamydia among childbearing age women in Tanzania remain scarce. This study determined the prevalence and factors associated with genital chlamydia among childbearing age women in C. trachomatis endemic and non-endemic regions.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from May to October 2024, where 400 women attending maternal and child health clinics in selected district hospitals were enrolled. Recruitment criteria were sexually active women aged 18 to 45 years. Sociodemographic, sexual behaviours and symptoms data were collected using a questionnaire. Endocervical specimens were tested using the polymerase chain reaction. The association between chlamydia infection and demographic factors, sexual behaviours, and symptoms was assessed using univariate logistic regression. Variables were further analysed in a multivariable logistic regression model to determine independent factors for chlamydia infection. Crude and adjusted odds ratios were calculated at 95% confidence interval and a statistical significance value at p< 0.05. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 23.

Results: The prevalence of chlamydia was 2.3%. Women residing in non-endemic regions were less likely to test positive for chlamydia (AOR= 0.2; 95% CI:0.008-0.9). Women over 25 years of age had a decreased likelihood of testing positive for chlamydia (AOR=0.1;95%CI:0.01-0.71). Women who had a new sexual partner within the past six months had an increased likelihood of testing positive for chlamydia (AOR=6.1; 95%CI 1.8-34.3). Marital status, education level, employment status, age at sexual debut, number of lifetime partners, condom use, alcohol, drug use, previous infection with STIs, symptoms and knowledge of chlamydia were not associated with chlamydia.

Conclusion: Genital chlamydia prevalence was low among women of childbearing age. Factors associated with genital chlamydia infection were younger age, a new sexual partner in the past six months and living in endemic areas for C. trachomatis. These findings highlight the need for targeted screening and prevention strategies among high-risk women.