Point-of-care tests for vaginal discharge in Nepal

Randomized Controlled Trial in Nepal: Introducing Point-of-care Tests and Identifying Barriers to Reduce Antibiotics for Vaginal Discharge

NA · Norwegian University of Science and Technology · NCT05977491

This study tests if quick tests for sexually transmitted infections can help women in Nepal with abnormal vaginal discharge get better treatment and reduce unnecessary use of antibiotics.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment1500 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 60 Years
SexFemale
SponsorNorwegian University of Science and Technology (other)
Locations1 site (Dhulikhel, Kavre)
Trial IDNCT05977491 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of point-of-care tests (POCT) for sexually transmitted infections in managing abnormal vaginal discharge among women in Nepal. The study will include 1500 women attending gynecological outpatient clinics and will compare standard treatment with POCT-guided treatment to assess the reduction of antibiotic overtreatment. Additionally, the trial will explore the barriers and facilitators to the acceptability of POCTs from both patient and healthcare practitioner perspectives.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are women presenting with vaginal discharge at gynecological outpatient clinics.

Not a fit: Patients who are minors, have vaginal bleeding, or are suspected of having gynecological cancer will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more accurate diagnoses and reduced unnecessary antibiotic use for women with vaginal discharge.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited research on the implementation of POCTs in low-income countries, similar approaches in high-income settings have shown success in reducing antibiotic overtreatment.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Women presenting with vaginal discharge to gynecological outpatients

Exclusion Criteria:

* Minors below the age of 18 years.
* Any bleeding from the vagina.
* Suspicion of gynecological cancer.
* Previous inclusion in the same study.

Where this trial is running

Dhulikhel, Kavre

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Vaginal Discharge, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, antibiotic overtreatment, psychosomatic, domestic violence, anxiety and depression, chlamydia trachomatis, neisseria gonorrhoea

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.