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Abstract

Abstract


Objective: To determine the frequency of Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in immigrant population versus the local population, comparing the symptomatic patients against the asymptomatic women as controls.Methods: A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted in Gynaecology Clinic of Unit 1, Bolan Medical Complex Hospital, Quetta. The study duration was six months from 1st April, 2004 to 31st October, 2004, examining 500 women. World Health Organization (WHO) recommended questionnaire was answered and High Vaginal Swab (HVS) was taken from posterior fornix of patient's vagina. Gram staining was done by the Pathology Department of the same hospital and description was based on Nugent's score and modified Spiegel's criteria. Blood was analyzed for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis-B surface antigen (HBsAg) by immunochromatography. Analysis of results was done by Chi square test, screening test validity and incidence testing. Results: Women with vaginal discharge had higher incidence of STI (84%) than without it (38%). Refugees and women with grand multiparity made the high risk groups of targeted testing (P