OBJECTIVETo investigate the reproductive track infection (RTI) situation and risk factors for cervical infection (Neisseria gonorrhoeae or Chlamydia trachomatis) among different kinds of women of childbearing age in Shenzhen city, China. To assess the feasibility of the syndromic approach for vaginal discharge.

METHODSThe survey was administrated to 4,744 eligible women in Shenzhen city during October 2001 and April 2002. The subjects included three different kinds of population: 3,895 cases of general population, 438 STD/gynecological clinic outpatients and 411 people with high risk behavior. Gynaecologic examination and RTI laboratory diagnosis were performed for each subject. PCR method-based test was used to detect the Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis infection. Standardized questionnaire were designed to collect the information about RTI related behaviors, and history of marriage and child bearing, et al. The risk factors, symptoms and signs of cervical infection were analyzed. Syndromic approach was established and its feasibility was assessed.

RESULTS27.6% of women in Shenzhen were infected with at least one kind of RTI, including 5.0% with cervical infection. The risk factors for cervical infection were: individuals having had new sex partner within last 3 months (OR = 1.6, 95% CI: 1.1 - 2.4), having had the experience of abortion (OR = 1.6, 95% CI: 1.1 - 2.4), aged 25 or less (OR = 1.6, 95% CI: 1.1 - 2.4) and never using condom during sex intercourse (OR = 1.7, 95% CI: 1.1 - 2.4). The sensitivity of syndromic approach of risk assessment and signs for cervical infection among general population was 63.8%, while specificity was 55.1% with the positive predictive value 7.0%.

CONCLUSIONSRTI infection was common among all three kinds of childbearing women in Shenzhen city. The prevalence of RTI was the highest among high risk population, followed by STD/gynecological clinic outpatients. The efficacy of syndromic approach for cervical infection in general population was not ideal.