Acceptability and feasibility of screening pregnant women for sexually transmitted infections in Rawalpindi, Pakistan

Abstract

Objectives: To understand the acceptability and feasibility of sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing during antenatal care, along with the prevalence of STIs, in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Methods: We enrolled pregnant women seeking antenatal care and performed STI testing using Cepheid GeneXpert® CT/NG and TV kits and Alere Determine™ HIV and syphilis tests. We used interviewer-administered surveys to collect medical, social, and sexual histories. Participants testing positive for STIs and their partners were treated. Results: We enrolled 1001 women from September to December 2019. Nearly all women offered to participate in this study enrolled. Most women understood the effects an STI can have on their pregnancy (99.6%) and valued STI screening during pregnancy (98.1%). 11 women tested positive for any STI: (Chlamydia trachomatis = 4, Neisseria gonorrhoeae = 1, and Trichomonas vaginalis = 6). Of those, six presented for a test-of-cure, and two were positive for Trichomonas vaginalis. None tested positive for HIV infection or syphilis (n = 503). Conclusions: STI testing during antenatal care in Rawalpindi was acceptable, valued, understood, and feasible. The prevalence of STIs in pregnant women was low. Continued prevalence monitoring is warranted.