Evaluation of Sexual Transmitted Infections among Gender based Violence Cases: Retrospective Cross Sectional Study, Kigali-Rwanda

Abstract

Background: STIs are infections that are passed from one person to another through sexual contact. The causes of STIs are bacteria, parasites, yeast, and viruses. There are more than 20 types of STIs, including Chlamydia, genital herpes, gonorrhea, HIV/AIDS, HPV, Syphilis and Trichomonas1 . According to WHO (2013), Amin and Garcia presented the evidence of the increased risk of STIs and HIV associated with GBV; and looks at potential pathways by which gender-based violence and STI and HIV are linked2 . GBV is defined by the UN in the CEDAW as any act that is likely to or results in physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women including threats or acts of coercion, arbitrary deprivation of liberty, private or public, in the family or community2,15 . The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of STIs among GBV cases attending Isange one stop center in Kibagabaga District Hospital.  Method: This study was retrospective conducted from January 2017 to September 2019 among GBV cases attending Isange one stop center in Kibagabaga District Hospital. Request forms describing the GBV case and indicating the demographic parameters and laboratory findings of the victim was evaluated. Data was analyzed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS version 16.0.  Result: In total 320 cases for GBV cases was reported from 2017 up to November, 2019 at Isange One Stop Center in Kibagabaga District Hospital. 100% of study population was female, majority of them 96.25% (308) were young female adolescent in the range of 10 to 19 years old. Considering laboratory findings, this study showed that Only 5% of all GBV cases within period of 3 years reported STIs negative, Majority GBV cases reported pregnancy at high level 72% and the overall Prevalence of STIs was 23% all GBV cases. 7.2% of these had HIV and 6.8% had Hepatitis B virus. The prevalence of trichomonas and Syphilis was 4% and 5% of all GBV cases respectively and this study showed no HPV and Gonorrhea cases has been reported.  Conclusion: Although the proven steps that have been taken by government of Rwanda to against GBV, but not understood as desired because GBV cases continue to increase periodical, so more Strength and focus are needed to reduce this rate GBV among young female adolescents. According to this study finding which suggested that GBV cases promote STIs and unwanted pregnancy.