Prevalence and associated factors of sexually transmitted infections among pregnant women attending antenatal care in public hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), primarily spread through sexual contact, remain a major public health concern. The high prevalence of STIs among pregnant women in Africa contributes to significant maternal and perinatal morbidity. Despite documented adverse pregnancy outcomes, research on STI prevalence and associated factors among pregnant women in Ethiopia, particularly in public hospitals of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, remains limited. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence and contributing factors of STIs among pregnant women attending antenatal care at public hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 302 pregnant women attending antenatal care at selected public hospitals in Addis Ababa from August 1 to September 1, 2022. Participants were selected through systematic random sampling, and data were collected through face-to-face interviews, supplemented with chart reviews. Data entry and processing were performed using Epi Info version 7.2.2.2, and analysis was conducted with SPSS version 25. A range of demographic, behavioral, and obstetric factors were assessed for their association with STI outcomes. Crude odds ratios (COR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were initially calculated to evaluate these associations. Variables with a P-value of < 0.2 in the bivariate logistic regression were then included in the multivariable logistic regression model, and adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with 95% CIs were computed. Statistical significance was considered at P < 0.05. RESULTS: The prevalence of STIs in this study was 27.5% (95% CI: 22.5%-33.1%). Significant associations were observed with a history of abortion (AOR = 3.59, 95% CI: 1.72-5.45), history of stillbirth (AOR = 2.41, 95% CI: 1.61-4.06), multiple sexual partners (AOR = 3.97, 95% CI: 1.99-5.95), and alcohol consumption (AOR = 2.09, 95% CI: 1.89-3.28). CONCLUSION: The higher STI prevalence observed in this study, compared to previous Ethiopian findings, underscores the need for targeted public health interventions. Significant associations with abortion, stillbirth, multiple sexual partnerships, and alcohol consumption highlight the importance of integrated strategies, including routine antenatal STI screening, behavioral risk counseling, and community education addressing alcohol use and multiple sexual partnerships.