Abstract:
The prevalence of genital mycoplasma, a sexually transmitted pathogen, was studied in 168 reproductive aged women in Ibadan, Nigeria, using bacteriologic methods. An overall prevalence rate of 35.7% was obtained; with the highest prevalence rate found among artisans (50%) and students (39.1%). Women aged 21 - 25 years and 36 - 40 years had prevalence rates of 41.6 and 47.4%, respectively, while those with parity 4 and above had a higher prevalence rate (52%) as against those with parity 3 and below (33.6%). The educational status of the women revealed a statistically non-significant increase in prevalence of the organism in women who had secondary and tertiary education (36.7%) as against those with primary or no education (p>0.05). The need for health education of women, especially during a younger age is hereby emphasized to enlighten them on the need to avoid the acquisition of these microorganisms as well as other sexually transmitted pathogens which may adversely affect them in future.
