Knowledge and Attitudes of Female Adolescents on the Causes, Effects and Prevention of Vaginal Candidiasis in the Adenta Municipality of the Greater Accra Region of Ghana

Abstract

Introduction: Among every four women, at least, three of them experience vaginal candidiasis caused by Candida albicans. People with dysfunctional immune system such as the aged, very young children, altered pH and sugar content in vaginal secretions as a result of pregnancy, HIV/AIDS, diabetes, hormonal fluctuations, smoking, black race, oral-contraceptives, obesity and use of broad-spectrum antibiotics increases the frequency to acquiring infection and are therefore vulnerable to fungal infections. Poor hygiene, chemical irritants and the presence of foreign body in the vagina can also cause vaginal candidiasis Objective: This study sought to access the knowledge and attitudes regarding causes, effects and prevention of vaginal candidiasis among female adolescent in the Adenta Municipality. Methods: A cross-sectional design and a multi-stage sampling technique was used to obtain a sample of 403 female adolescents within the Adenta Municipality using a structured questionnaire. The data collected from respondents were collected and entered into Epi Data Entry Client v4.0.2.4.9 and was exported into Stata 14.0 for analysis. All numerical data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Chi-square, p-values were used to establish the associations between variables. Logistic regression of less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant at 95% confidence interval. Results were presented in tables and graphs. Result: The study revealed that the overall knowledge of respondents was good (54.7%). Majority (57.7%) of the respondents knew poor hygiene to be the major cause of vaginal candidiasis and it can easily be transmitted through sexual intercourse (67.8%). About 97% of the respondents most agreed that sugar intake was a major risk factor of vaginal candidiasis with (39.9%) of them knowing infertility as a major effect of vaginal candidiasis if not treated. Friends (47.5%) and school (41.1%) were seen to be the major source of information regarding vaginal candidiasis. The attitude towards the prevention of candidiasis among female adolescents was good (58.9%). Though, more than 50% of the respondents agreed that candidiasis infection was dangerous, majority (82.7%) of them were unsure of symptoms and therefore (87.6%) agreed that people infected with candidiasis must seek for treatment from the hospital. Having a good knowledge on vaginal candidiasis [AOR=2.56 (95% Cl: 1.57– 4.15), p<0.001] and a good attitude towards it prevention [AOR=1.83 (95% Cl: 1.12–2.99), p<0.015] were positively associated with the effects of vaginal candidiasis. These participants were 3 and 2 times respectively more likely to have good attitudes towards the effects of vaginal candidiasis respectively. Also, the participants who were in a relationship with the opposite sex was statistically significant such that those who were in a relationship were 3 times more likely to be knowledgeable about candidiasis [AOR=2.96 (95% Cl: 1.14 – 7.84), p<0.025] as compared with those who were not in a relationship. In conclusion, female adolescents in the Adenta Municipality had good knowledge on the causes and effects of vaginal candidiasis. Those aged 10-15 years exhibited poor knowledge and attitudes regarding the causes, effects and prevention of vaginal candidiasis. Programs aimed at increasing the knowledge, attitudes of female adolescents on vaginal candidiasis should be implemented and more attention should be given to the adolescents between the ages of 10 and 15 years. The responses given by respondents was seen to be influenced by the socio-demographic characteristics such as age, level of education, religion and ethnic group.