Are sexually transmitted diseases a problem to pregnant women in Ceará?

Abstract

Introduction: the complications of STD (Sexually Transmitted Diseases) include ectopic pregnancy, spontaneous abortions, stillbirth, prematurity, conge-nital perinatal and puerperal infection. In Brazil, studies in pregnant women are scarce, although STD have an important impact in pregnancy outcome.Objective:to estimate the prevalence of syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydeous, and trichomoniasis in pregnant women in two municipalities of Ceará and toidentify risk factors related to STD in this population. Method:cross-sectional study with the application of questionnaires, physical examination and labo-ratory diagnosis (PCR, RPR and Gram staining). The study population consisted of 1.019 women attending clinics in Fortaleza and Aracati. Results:theprevalence in Fortaleza and Aracati were, respectively: C. trachomatis- 11.0% and 6.4%; N. gonorrhoeae- both 1.3%; T. vaginalis- 6.2% and 4.4%; T.palidum– 2.1% and 0.3%. The risk factors related to the STD in Fortaleza were: not living with partner, no personal income, and more than 2 partners inthe last twelve months. In Aracati, the following risk factors were identified: illiteracy, early sexual debut, and more than three sexual partners in life.Conclusion:high prevalences of STD were found in Fortaleza and Aracati. The different risk factors identified in these two different social-cultural settingrequire distinct STD control.