Knowledge, behaviors and prevalence of reproductive tract infections: A descriptive study on rural women in Hunchun, China

Purpose The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence, knowledge and behavior about reproductive tract infections (RTIs) among rural Chinese women in Hunchun, China. Methods The study employed a cross-sectional research design with a convenience sample of 190 participants who had received microfinancing. Data were collected by trained research staff, utilizing face to face interviews and physical examinations. Results About 1 in 5 participants (20.3) had had more than 5 pregnancies and 26.7 had had 3 or more abortions. More than half (57.3) of study participants had an RTI at the time of examination, and 92.3 reported having had at least one RTI symptom. Nearly half (49.6) of the women who exhibited RTI symptoms reported no utilization of any healthcare services. Age, number of pregnancies, RTI knowledge, and behavior were found to be significant correlates in the sample. Conclusions The prevalence of RTI among low-income rural Chinese women were extremely high, indicating the urgent need for effective and culturally sensitive health education, particularly targeted to the poor rural population.