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BMC Infectious Diseases
Published in: BMC Infectious Diseases 1/2019

Open Access 01-12-2019 | Vulvovaginal Candidiasis | Research article

Bacterial vaginosis, vulvovaginal candidiasis and trichomonal vaginitis among reproductive-aged women seeking primary healthcare in Sana’a city, Yemen

Authors: Maha Abdul-Aziz, Mohammed A. K. Mahdy, Rashad Abdul-Ghani, Nuha A. Alhilali, Leena K. A. Al-Mujahed, Salma A. Alabsi, Fatima A. M. Al-Shawish, Noura J. M. Alsarari, Wala Bamashmos, Shahad J. H. Abdulwali, Mahdi Al Karawani, Abdullah A. Almikhlafy

Published in: BMC Infectious Diseases | Issue 1/2019

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Abstract

Background

In Yemen, the underlying causes of infectious vaginitis have been neglected. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with bacterial vaginosis (BV), vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) and trichomonal vaginitis (TV) among non-pregnant reproductive-aged women.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 347 non-pregnant reproductive-aged women seeking primary healthcare in Sana’a city, Yemen. Data about sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle-related behaviors, routine hygienic practices, menstrual care and history and type of contraceptive intake were collected using a structured questionnaire. Vaginal discharge samples were collected and examined for discharge characteristics and pH by a gynecologist. Then, samples were examined for BV, VVC and TV. Data were analyzed using suitable statistical tests.

Results

Vaginal infections were prevalent among 37.6% of reproductive-aged women, where BV was the most prevalent (27.2%). VVC was significantly higher among symptomatic women and significantly associated with itching (P = 0.005). Using bivariate analysis, the age of < 25 years (odds ratio [OR] = 1.9, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.16–3.10; P = 0.010) and using intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUCDs) (OR = 1.8, 95% CI: 1.09–2.89; P = 0.020) were significantly associated with BV, while history of miscarriage was significantly associated with a lower risk of BV (OR = 0.5, 95% CI: 0.31–0.85, P = 0.009). However, polygyny was significantly associated with VVC (OR = 3.4, 95% CI: 1.33–8.66; P = 0.007). Multivariable analysis confirmed that age of < 25 years and using IUCD were the independent predictors of BV, while history of miscarriage was an independent protective factor against BV. On the other hand, marriage to a polygamous husband was the independent predictor of VVC.

Conclusions

More than a third of non-pregnant reproductive-aged women seeking PHC in Sana’a have single or mixed infections with BV, VVC or TV. BV is the most frequent cause of vaginitis and is significantly associated with the age of < 25 years and using IUCDs, while VVC is significantly higher among women with polygamous husbands. Health education of polygamous husbands and their wives, regular monitoring of BV among IUCD users and screening women for vaginitis before treatment are recommended.
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Metadata
Title
Bacterial vaginosis, vulvovaginal candidiasis and trichomonal vaginitis among reproductive-aged women seeking primary healthcare in Sana’a city, Yemen
Authors
Maha Abdul-Aziz
Mohammed A. K. Mahdy
Rashad Abdul-Ghani
Nuha A. Alhilali
Leena K. A. Al-Mujahed
Salma A. Alabsi
Fatima A. M. Al-Shawish
Noura J. M. Alsarari
Wala Bamashmos
Shahad J. H. Abdulwali
Mahdi Al Karawani
Abdullah A. Almikhlafy
Publication date
01-12-2019
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Infectious Diseases / Issue 1/2019
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2334
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12879-019-4549-3

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