Measuring reproductive morbidity: a community-based approach, Jordan.

Our objective in this study was to determine the prevalence of reproductive and related nonreproductive morbidities in a group of reproductive-aged women living in Jordan. The study was designed as a two-phase survey. The first phase consisted of a structured personal interview and the second phase was a follow-up physical examination. Three hundred seventeen women aged 18-49 years were randomly selected and answered the questionnaire in the first phase of the study. Two hundred sixty agreed to both the general physical and pelvic examination. The main outcome measures were selected reproductive and related nonreproductive morbidities. Results show reproductive tract infections were diagnosed in 55% of the women, a presumed chlamydia trachomatis genital infection in 40%, and genital prolapse in 22%. As for related nonreproductive morbidities, 14% were diagnosed with a urinary tract infection (UTI), 24% with urinary incontinence, and 40% with anemia. Our results of the study support the idea that in this community, women's health is at risk throughout their reproductive years, not only when they are pregnant or postpartum. We suggest further research in other Jordanian communities as well as solutions addressed to the health care community.