Prevalence, Risk Factors and Diagnostic Methods of Bacterial Vaginosis: A Survey of Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic at Taraba State Specialist Hospital, North-East, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Bacterial vaginosis is considered to be the most prevalent gynecological disorder of reproductive-age women. It is characterized by an alteration in the normal vaginal flora resulting in a reduction or absence of H202 producing lactobacilli and a corresponding over growth of anaerobic bacteria. Objective: The study was design to determine prevalence, evaluate risk factors and compare diagnostic methods of bacterial vaginosis. Material and methods: 90 Consenting pregnant women within the ages of 18-39 years attending Taraba State Specialist Hospital antenatal clinic were evaluated for bacteria diagnosis using Amsel and Hay/ison criteria. Information on socio-demographics and clinical features were obtained using a structured interviewer’s questionnaire. Results: Prevalence rate of 56.6% using amsel and 45.6% using Hay/ison were recorded. Married to a polygamist (multiple sexual partners) and history of STI had statistical association with bacterial vaginosis (p-values of 0.05 and 0.001 respectively) while formal setting workers and tertiary institution degree holders had high BV prevalence rate without statistical significance. Comparing prevalence between both methods gave a correlation percentage of 73.2% and a p- value of 0.003. Conclusion: The prevalence for bacterial vaginosis recorded in this study was high. Thus, medical, social and educational interventions aimed at reducing bacterial vaginosis prevalence rate are recommended.