Molecular prevalence and socio-economic, demographic, and behavioral risk factors of Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Ureaplasma species among women in Mogadishu, Somalia.

Background Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a major global public health concern with significant impacts on sexual and reproductive health. Data on STI prevalence and its associated risk factors in Somalia are limited. Methods This hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from January to April 2023 at Dr. Sumait Hospital in Mogadishu. Genital swab samples were collected from 189 consenting women and analyzed using multiplex real-time PCR. The participants completed questionnaires on sociodemographic characteristics and behaviors. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with STI positivity. Results The overall prevalence of at least one STI was 37.0% (95% CI: 30.2-43.9%). Ureaplasma was the most common (34.4%), followed by Neisseria gonorrhoeae (5.8%) and Chlamydia trachomatis (1.1%). In multivariable analysis, women aged 38-60 years had 2.8 times higher odds of STI positivity compared to those aged 17-27 years (AOR=2.80, 95% CI: 1.124-7.002). Women with primary education had significantly higher odds of N. gonorrhoeae infection than those with postsecondary education. Conclusion There is a high prevalence of STIs, particularly Ureaplasma, among women in Mogadishu. Older age and lower education levels were associated with increased STI risk. These findings highlight the need for enhanced STI screening and prevention efforts, especially among older and less-educated women in Somalia.