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Low prevalence of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections in young women attending a youth counselling service in Maputo, Mozambique
Author(s) -
Melo Josefa,
Folgosa Elena,
Manjate Delfina,
Osman Nafissa,
Francois Isabelle,
Temmerman Marleen,
Cappuccinelli Piero,
Colombo Mauro M.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
tropical medicine and international health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.056
H-Index - 114
eISSN - 1365-3156
pISSN - 1360-2276
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-3156.2007.01972.x
Subject(s) - medicine , gynecology , human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) , developing country , sexually transmitted disease , family medicine , environmental health , pediatrics , obstetrics , syphilis , economics , economic growth
Summary Objectives To determine the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in a group of young women attending the Adolescent and Youth Friendly Service, in Maputo, Mozambique, and to evaluate their level of knowledge, practices and attitudes about STI. Methods A total of 445 women voluntarily participated in the study and filled in a self‐administered knowledge, practices and attitudes (KAP) questionnaire; 435 of them underwent a laboratory examination for vaginosis, candidiasis, trichomoniasis, gonorrhoea, chlamydiosis, syphilis and HIV infection. Results Women had a high level of awareness and knowledge of STI and HIV. Candidiasis was the most prevalent reproductive tract infection (36%), followed by vaginosis (13%) and trichomoniasis (7.6%), and sexually transmitted diseases. HIV seroprevalence was 4%; 42% were negative in all tests. Conclusion The low prevalence of STI and HIV may be related in part to the high level of awareness registered in the group.