The prevalence of reproductive tract infections in Hue, Vietnam.

A study was conducted in central Vietnam to measure the prevalence of reproductive tract infections among clients of a family planning clinic, and to determine the usefulness of simple, clinic-based diagnostic tests. The prevalence of such infections was moderate, with the majority being endogenous. Few cases of cervical infection were identified, and no clinical or sociodemographic variables proved to be good predictors of such infection. Most vaginal infections could be identified through simple, clinic-based diagnostic tests, although further research into the cost-effectiveness of establishing and maintaining these services would be useful. Comparison of the results from laboratory tests and the presumptive diagnosis of the clinician indicate that the current practice of presumptive treatment is leading to significant overtreatment. Use of the World Health Organization flowcharts would reduce the overtreatment of vaginal infection but not of cervical infection. The importance of adapting the flowcharts to local epidemiology is highlighted.