Knowledge, Behaviors and Prevalence of Reproductive Tract Infections: A Descriptive Study on Rural Women in Hunchun, China.
- Author:
Chunyu LI
1
;
Hae Ra HAN
;
Jong Eun LEE
;
Myungken LEE
;
Youngja LEE
;
Miyong T KIM
Author Information
1. Professor, Division of Community, School of Nursing, Yanbian University, Jilin, China.
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Chinese women;
low income;
reproductive tract infections
- MeSH:
Asian Continental Ancestry Group;
China;
Delivery of Health Care;
Female;
Health Education;
Humans;
Pregnancy;
Prevalence;
Reproductive Tract Infections;
Research Design;
Rural Population
- From:Asian Nursing Research
2010;4(3):122-129
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
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.
