School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
Xian Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Xian, China.
Front Public Health. 2024 Oct 22;12:1401474. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1401474. eCollection 2024.
Reproductive tract infections (RTIs) represent a critical public health concern impacting women's health, particularly pronounced in developing countries. We aim to investigates the prevalence of self-reported RTI symptoms in women aged 18 to 65 and the factors influencing gynecological examination behavior and associated risks are explored.
From May 6, 2022, to September 20, 2022, a comprehensive survey engaged 20,864 women aged 18 to 65 in 19 townships in Lueyang, Shaanxi. Each survey team, comprising a gynecologist, two female health center staff, and a master's student, conducted face-to-face questionnaire surveys in villages and households. The questionnaire featured three sections: prevalence of self-reported RTI symptoms, gynecological examination history, and factors influencing examination behavior.
The high response rate of 98.69% yielded 20,590 valid questionnaires. Among surveyed women, 42.04% reported RTI symptoms, with a higher prevalence in those aged 30 and above, peaking at 44.88% in the 50-59 age group. Vulvar itching (24.73%), abnormal vaginal discharge (17.41%), and urinary tract irritation signs (11.73%) were most common. Older adult women (≥60) reported higher frequency and longer duration of symptoms. Only 9.88% of symptomatic women underwent gynecological examinations in 2022. Examination likelihood decreased with age, presenting a critical gap in healthcare utilization among older women. Reasons for checkups included routine checkups (47.02%), symptom concerns (41.29%), and the availability of free medical checkup programs (9.82%). Barriers included perceived lack of serious symptoms (23.7%), lack of necessity (4.41%) and lack of time (3.98%). Among those examined, 40.58% had a diagnosis of gynecological disorders, including pelvic inflammatory disease, human papilloma virus infection and cervical cancer.
Widespread RTI symptoms, particularly in perimenopausal and older women, underscore the need for enhanced healthcare. Barriers to gynecological examinations include awareness, education, and accessibility issues. Strategies must prioritize health education, routine examinations, and improved healthcare infrastructure in underdeveloped regions.
生殖道感染（RTIs）是一个严重的公共卫生问题，影响着妇女的健康，在发展中国家尤为明显。本研究旨在调查 18 至 65 岁女性自报生殖道感染症状的流行情况，并探讨影响妇科检查行为的因素及相关风险。
2022 年 5 月 6 日至 9 月 20 日，在陕西省略阳县的 19 个乡镇，对 20864 名 18 至 65 岁的女性进行了一项全面调查。每个调查小组由一名妇科医生、两名女性卫生中心工作人员和一名硕士研究生组成，在村庄和家庭中进行面对面的问卷调查。问卷分为三个部分：自报生殖道感染症状的流行情况、妇科检查史和影响检查行为的因素。
高应答率达到 98.69%，共获得 20590 份有效问卷。在所调查的女性中，42.04%报告有生殖道感染症状，30 岁及以上人群患病率较高，50-59 岁年龄组患病率最高，为 44.88%。外阴瘙痒（24.73%）、异常阴道分泌物（17.41%）和尿路刺激征（11.73%）最为常见。老年女性（≥60 岁）报告症状的频率更高，持续时间更长。仅 9.88%的有症状女性在 2022 年接受了妇科检查。检查的可能性随年龄增长而降低，老年女性的医疗保健利用率存在明显差距。检查的原因包括常规检查（47.02%）、症状担忧（41.29%）和免费医疗检查项目的可及性（9.82%）。检查的障碍包括认为症状不严重（23.7%）、不必要（4.41%）和没有时间（3.98%）。在接受检查的女性中，40.58%被诊断为妇科疾病，包括盆腔炎、人乳头瘤病毒感染和宫颈癌。
广泛存在的生殖道感染症状，特别是在围绝经期和老年女性中，突显了加强医疗保健的必要性。妇科检查的障碍包括意识、教育和可及性问题。策略必须优先考虑健康教育、常规检查和改善欠发达地区的医疗保健基础设施。
