Research Article
Prevalence of Vulvo-Vaginitis and Socio-Demographic Factors Among Women of Reproductive Age in Port Harcourt
- By Roseanne Adah Ikpeama, Clement Ugochukwu Nyenke, Chibuike Ohanu, Bridget Tamunonengiyeofori Walson, Evelyn Orevaoghene Onosakponome - 16 May 2023
- Current Research in Interdisciplinary Studies, Volume: 2, Issue: 5, Pages: 11 - 22
- https://doi.org/10.58614/cris252
- Received: April 18, 2023; Accepted: May 9, 2023; Published: May 16, 2023
Abstract
Background: Vaginal candidiasis is a fungal or yeast infection of the vagina. It is a common gynecological ailment affecting most women at a point in their life time. Candida infection of the genital tract is one of the common sexually transmitted diseases and the most singular cause of vaginal discharge.
Aim: The goal of this study is to determine the prevalence and association of vulvo-vaginitis and socio-demographic factors among women of reproductive age in Port Harcourt.
Methodology: The cross-sectional study had 450 randomly selected women of reproductive age attending Rivers State University Teaching Hospital. The participants were grouped into four; Out Patients, Pregnant women, HIV positive women and Healthy volunteers. Out of the 450 urine samples collected, 150 were collected from out patients, 100 were collected from pregnant women, 100 were collected from HIV positive women and 100 were collected from students (healthy volunteers). Out of 200 HVS samples collected, 50 samples were collected from each group. Via a well-structured questionnaire, data regarding socio-demographic factors (age, education, occupation and marital status) of candida infection were obtained. Urine samples were tested macroscopically, both urine and HVS were tested microscopically and by culturing.
Results: The results showed that there was no association (p>0.05) between candidiasis and age among women attending RSUTH. Similarly, there was no association (p>0.05) between candidiasis and other socio-demographic factors such as education status, employment status and marital status among the women attending RSUTH.
Conclusion: This study has revealed that age, educational status, employment status and marital status socio-demographic factors do not have any association with the spread of candidiasis among women living in Port Harcourt.
Keywords: candidiasis, infection, prevalence, vagina.