TITLE:
Prevalence and Factors Associated with Trichomoniasis, Bacterial Vaginosis, and Candidiasis among Pregnant Women in a Regional Hospital in Cameroon
AUTHORS:
Takang Ako Wiliiam, Nubia Babila, Helen K. Kimbi
KEYWORDS:
Trichomoniasis, Bacterial Vaginosis, Vulvovagina Candidiasis Infection, Prev-alence, Factors Associated, Pregnant Women
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology,
Vol.12 No.5,
May
31,
2022
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Several microorganisms cause vaginal infections. Some of them
include: Trichomonas vaginalis, Gardneralla vaginalis, Bacteriodes spp., Mobilincus and Candida albicans. In pregnancy, these infections are associated
with considerable discomfort and adverse pregnancy outcome including preterm delivery,
low birth weight, spontaneous abortions among others. Aims: Bacterial
vaginosis, vulvovaginal trichomoniasis and candidiasis in pregnant women are
associated with considerable discomfort and adverse pregnancy outcome (preterm
delivery and low birth weight). We attempted to determine the prevalence of
these conditions in Regional Hospital Bamenda. Methods: A total of 200
vaginal swabs were collected from pregnant women after the administration of a
semi-structured questionnaire. The samples were analyzed using wet mount (Trichomonas
vaginalis and Candida spp.), and the Gram stain (Gardnerella vaginalis and Candida spp.). Bivariate and multivariate analyses were
used to investigate association between vaginal
symptoms and their risk factors. Results: The overall prevalence of
vaginal infections was 49.5%, with trichomoniasis, bacterial vaginosis, and
candidiasis being 2% (4), 27% (54) and 32% (64), respectively. No formal
education (AOR = 0.908; 95% CI: -20.72 - 35.62; p = 0.001) and practice of douching (16.93:
-0.201 - 29.692; p = 0.005) were found to be independent risk factors for
trichomoniasis. Malodourous greenish vagina discharges (18.52; 2.96 - 60.307; p
= 0.005) were associated with trichomoniasis and bacterial vaginosis. White
(6.566; 17.785 - 21.836; p = 0.004) and yellowish (3.404; 20.127 - 23.457; p =
0.004) vaginal discharges were independent risk factors for mycotic vagina
infections. Multivariate analysis revealed that the only risk factor
significantly associated to VVC in this study was the use of both water cistern
and pit toilet (AOR = 3.684; 95% CI: 0.388 - 2.649; p = 0.010). Conclusion: There was a high prevalence of vaginal
infections. Early treatment will reduce the disease burden and avoid
complications associated with it.