Prevalence of genital Chlamydia trachomatis among women of reproductive age attending outpatient clinic at Kisumu County Referral Hospital, Kenya, 2021

Background. Chlamydia trachomatis is a common a sexually transmit-ted infections (STI). Asymptomatic Chlamydia is undetectable because it is asymptomatic. In Kenyan women ages 18 to 49, the disease is poorly understood.Methods. This cross-sectional study was conducted at Kisumu County Referral Hospital, Kenya. 385 women consented and completed the electronic questionnaire. The women then provided vaginal swab sam-ples which were tested for Chlamydia trachomatis using Chlamydia rapid diagnostic test kit.Results. A total of 29 (7.5%) patients tested positive and were given medication. 65.2% of 385 participants were 18-25, with 5.7% preva-lence. Women preferred self vaginal swab collection over health worker collection (0.3%). Multiple sexual partners, coinfection with other STIs, and upper tract infections are linked to genital Chlamydia. 92% of participants didn't know Chlamydia's effects. Conclusions. The study's prevalence of genital Chlamydia trachoma-tis was within previous estimates. Populations and screening methods vary. Patient and community education about genital Chlamydia infec-tion is needed. Multiple sexual partners, marital status, education, and STI history are risk factors. Most women preferred self vaginal swab collection.