Prevalence of Trichomonas vaginalis infection and associated risk factors in the Tibetan area, China

Objective: Trichomonas vaginalis (T. vaginalis) infection is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections worldwide and is associated with several complications. However, the paucity of research regarding the prevalence of T. vaginalis infection in the Tibetan area limits control efforts. We compared the prevalence of T. vaginalis infection in the Tibetan area and Wuhan city of China to unveil the epidemiological characteristics of this issue in the Tibetan area. Methods This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among adult women attending gynecology outpatient clinics in two public hospitals (one in the Tibetan area and one in Wuhan city) in China in 2020. Data were retrieved from the medical record system and laboratory information management system, including T. vaginalis infection, bacterial vaginosis and vulvovaginal candidiasis by wet mount microscopy and nucleic acid hybridization of vaginal secretions from patients. The associations of variables associated with T. vaginalis prevalence were quantified by odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals. Results The overall prevalence rates of T. vaginalis infection in the Tibetan area and Wuhan city were 20.94% and 2.84%, respectively. Significant risk factors for having T. vaginalis infection in the Tibetan area included lower educational status and lower family income, clinical symptoms and a high level of vaginal cleanliness in the multivariate logistic analysis. Conclusion Interventions targeting improving living standards as well as women's educational level and promoting reproductive hygiene habits are recommended to contribute to the reduction in T. vaginalis infection in the Tibetan area.