Author(s)

Takang Ako Wiliiam¹, Nubia Babila¹, Helen K. Kimbi²

¹Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Bamenda, Bamenda, Cameroon.
²Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Bamenda, Bamenda, Cameroon.

Introduction: Several microorganisms cause vaginal infections. Some of them include: Trichomonas vaginalis, Gardneralla vaginalis, Bacteriodes spp., Mobilincus and Candida albicans. In pregnancy, these infections are associated with considerable discomfort and adverse pregnancy outcome including preterm delivery, low birth weight, spontaneous abortions among others. Aims: Bacterial vaginosis, vulvovaginal trichomoniasis and candidiasis in pregnant women are associated with considerable discomfort and adverse pregnancy outcome (preterm delivery and low birth weight). We attempted to determine the prevalence of these conditions in Regional Hospital Bamenda. Methods: A total of 200 vaginal swabs were collected from pregnant women after the administration of a semi-structured questionnaire. The samples were analyzed using wet mount (Trichomonas vaginalis and Candida spp.), and the Gram stain (Gardnerella vaginalis and Candida spp.). Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to investigate association between vaginal symptoms and their risk factors. Results: The overall prevalence of vaginal infections was 49.5%, with trichomoniasis, bacterial vaginosis, and candidiasis being 2% (4), 27% (54) and 32% (64), respectively. No formal education (AOR = 0.908; 95% CI: -20.72 - 35.62; p = 0.001) and practice of douching (16.93: -0.201 - 29.692; p = 0.005) were found to be independent risk factors for trichomoniasis. Malodourous greenish vagina discharges (18.52; 2.96 - 60.307; p = 0.005) were associated with trichomoniasis and bacterial vaginosis. White (6.566; 17.785 - 21.836; p = 0.004) and yellowish (3.404; 20.127 - 23.457; p = 0.004) vaginal discharges were independent risk factors for mycotic vagina infections. Multivariate analysis revealed that the only risk factor significantly associated to VVC in this study was the use of both water cistern and pit toilet (AOR = 3.684; 95% CI: 0.388 - 2.649; p = 0.010). Conclusion: There was a high prevalence of vaginal infections. Early treatment will reduce the disease burden and avoid complications associated with it.

Trichomoniasis, Bacterial Vaginosis, Vulvovagina Candidiasis Infection, Prev-alence, Factors Associated, Pregnant Women

Wiliiam, T. , Babila, N. and Kimbi, H. (2022) Prevalence and Factors Associated with Trichomoniasis, Bacterial Vaginosis, and Candidiasis among Pregnant Women in a Regional Hospital in Cameroon. Open Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 12, 443-464. doi: 10.4236/ojog.2022.125140.