Occurrence and Clinical Characteristics of Vaginitis among Women of Reproductive Age in Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Vaginitis is an important public health problem globally. It is associated with gynaecological and obstetric complications. Vulvovaginal candidiasis, bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis are mainly responsible for vaginitis. The aim of this study is to determine the occurrence, clinical characteristics and associated risk factors of vulvovaginal candidiasis and bacterial vaginosis among women of reproductive age attending Primary Health Care centres in Lagos Nigeria. Methods:This cross-sectional study recruited 258 women with genital complaints after obtaining their informed written consent between May 2017 and March 2018. Structured questionnaires were administered and high vaginal swabs were collected for laboratory examination. The results were analysed with descriptive statistics, chi-square and simple logistic regression. Results: Out of the 210 (81.4%) of the women with one or more vaginal infections, 105 (50.0%), 26 (12.4%) had bacterial vaginosis, and vulvovaginal candidiasis respectively while 78 (37.1%) had both vulvovaginal candidiasis and bacterial vaginosis. Only 1 (0.5%) participant had trichomoniasis and bacterial vaginosis. History of abortion and age below 25 years were associated with vulvovaginal candidiasis while pregnancy, history of miscarriage, age at first sexual activity and discharge were associated with bacterial vaginosis. Itching was associated with both vulvovaginal candidiasis and bacterial vaginosis. Conclusion: This study revealed vulvovaginal candidiasis and bacterial vaginosis as important cause of genital complaints among reproductive age women in Lagos. Health education, robust diagnosis and early treatment are needed in order to reduce the associated risk factors, disease burden and complications.