Prevalence of Bacterial Vaginosis Among Sexually Active Women Attending the CDC Central Clinic Tiko, South West Region, Cameroon

Abstract

Background: Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a polymicrobial, superficial vaginal infection involving a reduction in the amount of hydrogen peroxide-producing Lactobacillus and overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria. Common symptoms include increased fishy smelling vaginal discharge which is usually white or gray in color. Burning with urination may occur and itching is uncommon. Risk factors include douching, new or multiple sex partners, antibiotics, and use of intrauterine device among others. Materials and Methods:This cross-sectional study assessed the prevalence of bacterial vaginosis among sexually active women aged 15-45 years. Vaginal swabs were obtained with the use of sterile swab sticks which were later smeared on clean glass slides and then Gram stained. The stained smears were observed for bacterial morphotypes with the X100 oil immersion objective and the Nugent scoring system was used to determine BV. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) version 17.0 and were considered significant at p ≤ 0.05. Results: A total of 100 women participated in the study with the overall prevalence of BV rated 38%. The prevalence of BV with respect to associated factors was also investigated and it was observed that BV was more prevalent in the age groups 20-25 (48.1%) and 25-29 (44.4%), those who had attained only primary education (60.5%), married women, (68.4%), pregnant women (71.0%), and women who practiced vaginal douching, (97.4%). However, no statistical significant difference was observed in the prevalence between these parameters (P > 0.05). Conclusions: Conclusively, the prevalence of bacterial vaginosis in our study population is 38% and highest among women aged between 25 and 34 years, pregnant women, married women, less educated women and women who practiced poor vaginal hygiene.

Prevalence And Associated Risk Factors Of Bacterial Vaginosis Among Pregnant Women In Africa: A Systematic Review

“…A prospective study conducted in Ghana among pregnant women shows a prevalence of 30.9% [30], which was higher prevalence than studies conducted in Burkina faso [21,22] and lower that of conducted in Nigeria and Cameroon [10,20,29].…”

“…However, few studies from the eastern part of Africa also reported a very low prevalence of BV from studies reported especially from Uganda [9] and Ethiopia [25]. High prevalence of BV was reported not only from the eastern region but also from the western region (highest prevalence's from Nigeria (56.6% and 60%) [10,20] and Cameroon (45.8%) [29]) and southern regions of Africa with the highest prevalence reported from Zambia 48.3% [31].…”

“…There is a low cumulative prevalence of BV (15.7%) in the western Africa region with the lowest cumulative prevalence in Burkina Faso (202/2762, 7.3%) [21,22]. But, the highest prevalence of BV was reported from a few articles in Nigeria and Cameroon [10,20,29]. From seven studies conducted in Nigeria, prevalence varies among pregnant women of different study participants including HIV infected, asymptomatic and symptomatic pregnant women which range from11.9% [11] among HIV-infected pregnant women to 60% among symptomatic pregnant women [10] with a cumulative prevalence of 18.1% (Table 1).…”

“…A cross-sectional study on the prevalence of BV, conducted in CDC central clinic, Tiko, Cameroon, among sexually active pregnant and non-pregnant women aged 15-45 years shows a total prevalence of 38% (38/100) and among pregnant women 45.8% (27/59), which was more prevalent among pregnant women. In addition, this study investigated that BV was more prevalent in the age group of 20-25 years(48.1%) followed by 25-29 years(44.4%), and age shows a signi cant association with BV [29].…”

“…In Ethiopia, a study conducted in Felegehiwot referral hospital, on Common causes of vaginal infections and antibiotic susceptibility of aerobic bacterial isolates in women of reproductive age(pregnant and nonpregnant), reported that BV was higher among non-pregnant women (11/195, 5.6%) than pregnant women(1/214, 0.5%) and signi cant association was seen in the age group of 40-49 years [25]. [29,37] Marital status 2 [21,29] Multiple LTSP 2 [20,26] Gestational age 1 [32] Residence 1 [25] Number of pregnancy 1 [30] History of abortion 2 [21,26] Preterm delivery 1 [14] Low birth weight 1 [14] premature rupture of membranes 1 [14] Previous BV/STI 3 [13,20,21] Douching 1 [13] Vaginal discharge 2 [29,30] Contraceptive use 1 [23] HIV 6 [11,17,27,32,36,38] [31] .…”