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. 2025 Jul 29;25(1):956.
doi: 10.1186/s12879-025-11388-2.

Prevalence and associated factors of sexually transmitted infections among pregnant women attending antenatal care in public hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Endale Haile  1 , Amanuel Tebabal Nega  2 , Fentahun Yenealem  3 , Simachew Kassa Limenih  3 , Fentahun Alemnew Chekole  3 , Wendu Feysa Balcha  3 , Tadele Emageneh Goshu  4
Affiliations

Prevalence and associated factors of sexually transmitted infections among pregnant women attending antenatal care in public hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Endale Haile et al. BMC Infect Dis. .

Abstract

Background: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), primarily spread through sexual contact, remain a major public health concern. The high prevalence of STIs among pregnant women in Africa contributes to significant maternal and perinatal morbidity. Despite documented adverse pregnancy outcomes, research on STI prevalence and associated factors among pregnant women in Ethiopia, particularly in public hospitals of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, remains limited. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence and contributing factors of STIs among pregnant women attending antenatal care at public hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 302 pregnant women attending antenatal care at selected public hospitals in Addis Ababa from August 1 to September 1, 2022. Participants were selected through systematic random sampling, and data were collected through face-to-face interviews, supplemented with chart reviews. Data entry and processing were performed using Epi Info version 7.2.2.2, and analysis was conducted with SPSS version 25. A range of demographic, behavioral, and obstetric factors were assessed for their association with STI outcomes. Crude odds ratios (COR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were initially calculated to evaluate these associations. Variables with a P-value of < 0.2 in the bivariate logistic regression were then included in the multivariable logistic regression model, and adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with 95% CIs were computed. Statistical significance was considered at P < 0.05.

Results: The prevalence of STIs in this study was 27.5% (95% CI: 22.5%-33.1%). Significant associations were observed with a history of abortion (AOR = 3.59, 95% CI: 1.72-5.45), history of stillbirth (AOR = 2.41, 95% CI: 1.61-4.06), multiple sexual partners (AOR = 3.97, 95% CI: 1.99-5.95), and alcohol consumption (AOR = 2.09, 95% CI: 1.89-3.28).

Conclusion: The higher STI prevalence observed in this study, compared to previous Ethiopian findings, underscores the need for targeted public health interventions. Significant associations with abortion, stillbirth, multiple sexual partnerships, and alcohol consumption highlight the importance of integrated strategies, including routine antenatal STI screening, behavioral risk counseling, and community education addressing alcohol use and multiple sexual partnerships.

Keywords: Addis Ababa; Pregnancy; Sexually transmitted infections.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations. Ethics approval and consent to participate: Ethical approval for this study was obtained from the Institutional Review Board (IRB) of the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, and permission was granted by the Addis Ababa Zone Health Office. The study adhered to the principles outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki. Due to contextual considerations, particularly the presence of participants with limited literacy, written consent was not feasible, as it could have introduced discomfort, confusion, or discouraged participation. Instead, informed verbal consent was obtained by trained data collectors who provided clear explanations of the study’s purpose (to assess STI prevalence and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care), procedures (a 20-minute interview covering health history, behaviors, and STI experiences), and participants’ rights, including voluntary participation and the option to withdraw at any time. The minimal risk involved (primarily time commitment) and absence of direct personal benefit were clarified, along with the potential contribution to improving STI programs. The IRB approved the verbal consent procedure following national and international ethical standards. Confidentiality was strictly maintained through de-identified coding, secure data storage, and exclusion of any personal identifiers. Contact information was made available for questions or concerns, and no incentives or compensation were provided. Consent for publication: Not applicable. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Schematic representation of the sampling procedure to select study participants from Addis Ababa public hospitals, 2022
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Behavioral-related characteristics of mothers with STI in selected public hospitals Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; 2022
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Type of sexually transmitted infections in public hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; 2022
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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