Background. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) continue to be a significant public health problem especially among women of\r\nreproductive age in Africa. Methods. A total of 2236 women that had enrolled in theMDP301 vaginal microbicide trial were tested\r\nfor the presence of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhea (NG), Treponema pallidum, and Trichomonas vaginalis (TV).\r\nResults. CT was identified as the most prevalent STI (11%) followed by TV (10%), NG, and Syphilis (3%). The highest prevalence\r\nof coinfection was reported between T. pallidum and TV (19.67%, ?? = 0.004), followed by CT and TV (13.52%, ?? = 0.001). Risk\r\nfactors that were significantly associated with STI acquisition were women of 23 years of age or younger (HR: 1.50, 95% CI 1.17, 1.93),\r\nbaseline STI with CT (HR: 1.77, 95% CI 1.32, 2.35), TV (HR: 1.58, 95% CI, 1.20, 2.10), and T. pallidum (HR: 5.13, 95% CI 3.65, 7.22),\r\nand a low education level (HR: 1.30, 95% CI 1.02, 1.66). Conclusion. Young women with lower education and a history of STIs are\r\nat high risk of multiple STIs. Prevention programs should consider target approach to STI prevention among young women. This\r\ntrial is registered with ISRCTN64716212.
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