Reproductive Tract Infections in Women Seeking Abortion in Vietnam
Author Information
Author(s): Mỹ Hương Nguyễn, Kurtzhals Jørgen, Thủy Đỗ Thị Thu, Rasch Vibeke
Primary Institution: Institute of Population and Development Studies, General Office of Population and Family Planning, Ministry of Health, Vietnam
Hypothesis
What is the prevalence of reproductive tract infections (RTIs) among Vietnamese women seeking abortion?
Conclusion
RTIs are common among women seeking abortion, and routine administration of prophylactic antibiotics should be considered.
Supporting Evidence
- 54% of the women were diagnosed with an RTI.
- Endogenous infections were most prevalent, with 34% having vaginal candidiasis.
- Antibiotic resistance was common among bacterial isolates.
Takeaway
Many women who want abortions in Vietnam have infections that can make them sick, so doctors should give them medicine to help prevent these infections.
Methodology
The study involved a structured questionnaire and laboratory analyses of specimens collected from women seeking abortions.
Potential Biases
Potential selection bias as the study was conducted at a single hospital, which may not represent all abortion-seeking women in Vietnam.
Limitations
The study may have misclassified some women with RTIs as not having infections, and the accuracy of laboratory tests was questioned.
Participant Demographics
The mean age of participants was 29 years, with 56% aged 20-29, and 71% were married or cohabiting.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
50.8–58.9
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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