Burden of trichomonas vaginalis infection and its relationship with reproductive and clinical characteristics among women at Livingstone university teaching hospital

Background Trichomonas vaginalis remains one of the most prevalent non-viral sexually transmitted infections (STIs) globally, yet its epidemiology and clinical associations among women in Zambia remain poorly characterized. Understanding its burden and associated reproductive and clinical features is vital for guiding prevention and diagnostic efforts. This study assessed the prevalence of T. vaginalis infection and its relationship with sociodemographic and clinical characteristics among women attending Livingstone University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Southern Province, Zambia. Methods A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 women who attended LUTH between January and March 2025. Laboratory records and clinical notes were reviewed for demographic, reproductive, and clinical characteristics. T. vaginalis infection was diagnosed through microscopic examination of high vaginal swabs (HVS) and urine samples. Associations between infection status and categorical variables were analyzed using chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests, while continuous variables were compared using independent-samples t-tests. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The mean age of participants was 26.9 ± 6.04 years, with an overall infection prevalence of 13.5% (27/200). Infection rates did not differ significantly by age (p = 0.674), marital status (p = 0.997), or residential area (p = 0.600). Women with primary education had the highest infection prevalence (20.6%) compared with those with tertiary education (7.9%), though not statistically significant (p = 0.288). Infection was significantly associated with the presence of abnormal vaginal discharge (32.4% vs. 9.7%; p = 0.001) and specific clinical symptoms including purulent discharge (75%) and pruritus vulvae (30%) (p = 0.001). No infection was observed among participants presenting with low abdominal pain or dysuria. Conclusions The prevalence of T. vaginalis infection among women attending LUTH is notable and closely associated with abnormal vaginal discharge and genital pruritus. Routine screening and integration of T. vaginalis testing into reproductive health services, particularly for women presenting with vaginal symptoms, are essential for early detection and control.