Abstract

SCREENING, KNOWLEDGE AND EXPRESSED PRACTICES OF WOMEN REGARDING REPRODUCTIVE TRACT INFECTIONS : A DESCRIPTIVE SURVEY

K. Simarjeet*, V. Vandana and K. Amandeep

ABSTRACT

Reproductive health is a condition in which reproduction is accomplished in a state of complete physical, mental and social well being and not merely absence of disease or disorder of the reproductive process. The poor health of Indian women is a concern on both national and individual level. The objective of the study was to assess the knowledge and expressed practices of women regarding reproductive tract infections. Non experimental research approach with descriptive research design was used. The sample size comprised of 200 women of reproductive age group of 15-50 years were selected by purposive sampling techniques of selected colonies of Barara, Ambala. Screening symptomatic checklist, structured knowledge questionnaire and expressed practices checklist were used to collect data from women. The study result revealed that most common symptoms were pain in lower abdomen (35.5%), itching (29.5%), vaginal discharge (29%) and urinary burning (28.5%). Majority (61%) of women had average level of knowledge and most knowledge rich area was prevention and management of reproductive tract infections. 73% women had healthy expressed practices regarding reproductive tract infections. The finding of the study revealed that there was mild positive correlation between knowledge and expressed practices of women regarding reproductive tract infections.

Keywords: Knowledge, Expressed Practices, Reproductive Tract Infections, Women.