Design of a Community-Based Study of Sexually Transmitted Infections/HIV and Infertility in an Urban Area of Northern Tanzania

The researchers in this report sought to describe the design of a community-based study of sexually transmitted infections (STIs)/HIV and infertility in northern Tanzania.

A two-stage sampling design was used to select households. Eligible women and their partners were interviewed and submitted samples for STIs/HIV detection. Post-test counseling and treatment for STIs and infertility were provided.

A total of 2,019 women and 794 male partners participated in the study. More than 70 percent of the interviewed men and women provided blood and urine samples. Compared to those who did not provide these samples, individuals who did had high-risk profiles for STIs/HIV. Although selection bias may have affected the study results, risk factors for STIs/HIV were comparable to those in other studies and support the generalizing of the findings.

"It is feasible to conduct a community-based survey, including collection of biomarkers and measurement of infertility, in this urban setting," the researchers concluded.

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