Reproductive tract infection: an experience in rural West Bengal

A community based cross-sectional study was conducted in the villages of Singur block, Hooghly district, West Bengal during September 2000 to February 2001. The objectives of the study were to find out the magnitude of Reproductive Tract Infections (RTI) among reproductive age group women, their knowledge about RTI and utilization of service available locally. Out of an estimated 896 women of reproductive age group in the study area, 186 women were selected by multistage random sampling technique. The study revealed that 66.1% respondents experienced one or more symptoms of RTI in four weeks recall period of this study. There was significant association (p < 0.01) between literacy status and their experiences of reproductive illness. 57% had knowledge about RTI. This increased gradually with increase of their ages (p < 0.01); literacy status (p < 0.01) and their socio-economic condition (p < 0.05). 27.6% of RTI patient did not receive any treatment, and majority of those received treatment (41.5%) sought advice from private practitioners.