Bacterial vaginosis due To Gardnerella Species and Risk Factors: A Cross-Sectional Study among Women of Reproductive Age at Mbalmayo District Hospital, Cameroon

Abstract

Objectives: Bacterial vaginosis is the most prevalent genital infection, characterized by malodorous vaginal discharge, and has arisen as a public health concern due to its link to sexually transmitted illnesses. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to determine the prevalence of Gardnerella species’ bacterial vaginosis and the risk factors related with this infection in childbearing women at the Hospital of District of Mbalmayo. Methodology: A questionnaire was administered before each vaginal swab sample was obtained. Gardnerella species’ bacterial vaginosis was classified as a Nugent score of 7 to 10, and the presence of clue cells. Results The findings were as follows: 210 women were enrolled in this study. The average age was 29.42±5.15 years, with extremes ranging from 18 to 49 years. The age group with the highest representation (38.67%) was 26-33 years. The prevalence of bacterial vaginosis was 42.85% (90/210), with Gardnerella species present at 90% (81/90) and Mobiluncus species present at 3.33%. The 18-25 age group was more susceptible to Gardnerella species infections (35.80%), although the student group was the most affected (32.09%), and the difference was not statistically significant. With a prevalence of 44.44%, the single group was statistically significantly more exposed to this vaginal infection than the other groups. University-level women had a higher prevalence of Gardnerella species infection (54.32%), followed by secondary-level women (37.03%). Gardnerella species vaginosis was found in both pregnant and non-pregnant women (38.27% and 61.72%, respectively). Conclusion: To avoid future obstetric difficulties, this infection must be effectively managed therapeutically.