Competencies of the Women in Identification and Management of Reproductive Tract Infections and the Determining Factors: A Cross-sectional Study

A BSTRACT Objectives: To determine competencies of the women in identification of the presence of reproductive tract infections (RTIs), identifying the need for seeking treatment and communication with the partner on safe sex practices and to determine the contributing factors. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 99 married women of the reproductive age group who had experienced symptoms of RTIs within the last 3 months preceding data collection. Women were recruited using disproportionate stratified random sampling technique, and the competencies were assessed using four case vignettes with a total score of 20. The sociodemographic profile was assessed to find out the contributing factors. Nonparametric tests were used as the data violated normality assumption. Results: The median competency score was 4 (2, 9). The median competency scores in the domain of identification of the presence of RTIs and management were 2 (1, 4), in identifying the need for seeking treatment was 1 (0, 3), and with regard to communication with the partner on safe sex practices was 0 (0, 2). Univariate analysis showed significant association of the competency scores with the religion ( P = 0.004), socioeconomic status ( P < 0.001), area of living ( P < 0.001), age at marriage ( P = 0.015), and contraceptive method practiced ( P = 0.003) by the women. In quantile regression, the median competency score was found to be 3.5 units (95% CI: 1.327, 5.673; P = 0.002) more for the women living above the poverty line (annual income ≥INR 27,000) and 4 units (95% CI: 0.142, 7.858; P = 0.042) more for the women whose partners used condoms during intercourse. Conclusion: The women had lower competency scores regarding identification and management of RTIs and are affected by their socioeconomic status and condom usage by the male partner during sexual intercourse. This demand the need for imparting adequate knowledge and skill for those women with regard to RTIs.