Cross - sectional study of gynecological problems of married women in an urban field practice area of J. N. Medical College, Belgaum

Abstract

Research question : What is the prevalence of gynecological problems among married reproductive age women of urban Belgaum? Objectives: 1) To estimate the prevalence of gynecological problems of the married women in reproductive age group ( 15-49 years) 2) To know the different patterns of contraceptive methods used by these couples Study Design: Cross-Sectional Study Settings: Khasbagh, Urban field practice area of J. N. Medical College Participants: 400 married women of age 15-49 yrs Study Period: Jan 2007 to Dec 2007 Statistical analysis: Percentages, Chi-square tests Results: The prevalence of the various gynecological problems were urinary tract infection 27.00 %, chronic PID 24.25 %, acute PID 19.25 %, oligomenorrhea 10.25 %, menorrhagia 6.75 %, conceiving difficulty 6.75 %, polymenorrhea 3.75 %, breast swelling 2.25 %, stress incontinence 0.75 % and prolapse of uterus 0.75 %. The mean prevalence of gynecological symptom per women was 1.51. There was no significant association between, age, education, socio-economic and gynecological problems of the participants. VIII 63.00 % had undergone permanent sterilization, 17.25 %couples were using temporary FP method and 19.75 % were not using any FP methods. The number and sex of living children had a significant association with the practice of any method of family planning. Conclusion: There was a moderately high prevalence of gynecological problems like menstrual problems and reproductive tract infections but the treatment seeking behavior was low. The knowledge about modern and traditional spacing methods is not adequate among our study participants.