Context:Reproductive tract infections (RTI) occupy the second position among public health problems.Aims:To find out the prevalence of RTI and its associated conditions among ever married women in the reproductive age group (15–49 years).Settings and Design:This cross-sectional study was conducted among 330 women in a rural area of Poonamallee block at Thiruvallur district in Tamil Nadu from August 2013 to January 2014.Materials and Methods:In this cross-sectional study, the selection of participants was done through cluster sampling and data on symptoms by questionnaires.Statistical Analysis Used:For descriptive prevalence, statistics was used. Using Chi-Square, categorical data were analyzed and using the odds ratio P value associations were assessed.Results:About 21% had anyone symptom of RTI. Occupation of women (OR2.0), occupation of spouse (OR1.9), anemia (OR 2.0), dysuria (OR51.5), burning micturition (OR15.9), frequency (OR3.3)/the urgency of urination (OR2.7), and incomplete urination (OR5.4)/defecation (OR3.6) were significantly associated with RTI. The prevalence rate of abnormal vaginal discharge was more (12%) than any other symptoms (each < 4%) of RTIs.Conclusions:The prevalence of RTI was high. Moreover, women with dysuria, burning micturition, incomplete urination/defecation, frequency/the urgency of urination, and anemia are at a higher risk of developing RTI.

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This study was carried out to detect beta (β) thalassemia heterozygous state in antenatal women and to create a validated flag in the software utilizing the screening indices to filter the samples to be subjected to high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and to define a model for the prevention of thalassemia. MethodsThis cross-sectional study was carried out for a period of two years on women attending the antenatal clinic. Complete blood count (CBC) and peripheral smear were done during their first visit. Serum iron and total iron-binding capacity were done for women who had microcytic hypochromic anemia. The samples of women without iron deficiency were processed by HPLC for hemoglobinopathies. The spouses of women who were found to have beta thalassemia trait were counseled to undergo screening, and those who consented were tested. ResultsA total of 183 antenatal women were screened for hemoglobinopathies. Βeta thalassemia trait was detected in 23.5% of them. Among the 16 red blood cell (RBC) indices analyzed, Sehgal index and Mentzer index, both with sensitivities of 97.67%, were found to be suitable. Alert flag incorporated in the software of the analyzer to detect these indices helps not to miss samples to carry out HPLC. The spouses of women with β thalassemia trait who underwent HPLC testing were 55.81%. A model screening program was designed. ConclusionAntenatal testing by HPLC should be done on all mothers having microcytic hypochromic anemia without iron deficiency. Spouse testing of the woman who was carriers denotes the success of the antenatal screening program.