Author(s)

Jideuma Egwim^1*, Victor Dike², Hope Igbonagwam¹, Nkechinyere Oke³, Uzoma Amajo⁴, Akuchi Okafor⁵, Angela Izegbune⁶, Ijedimma Okafor⁷

¹Department of Family Medicine, Federal University Teaching Hospital, Owerri, Nigeria.
²Department of Public Health, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, USA.
³Department of Ophthalmology, Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria.
⁴Department of Family Medicine, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria.
⁵Department of Internal Medicine, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
⁶Field Office, World Health Organisation, Imo State, Nigeria.
⁷Department of Internal Medicine, Ebonyi State University College of Health Sciences, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.

Background: An abnormal vaginal discharge is a common complaint among women of reproductive age, and it can indicate serious conditions like pelvic inflammatory disease and cervical cancer. This study aimed to assess the predictors of abnormal vaginal discharge in women of reproductive age group in Imo State, Southeast Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 368 women of reproductive age group attending the clinic at Federal University Teaching Hospital Owerri, in Imo State, Nigeria. Respondents were recruited using a systematic sampling technique. Data were collected using a pre-tested interviewer-administered questionnaire. Multivariable analysis was performed to determine predictors of abnormal vaginal discharge. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: The mean age of the respondents was 30 ±  4.5 years. Predictors of abnormal vaginal discharge were: age 36 - 45 years (OR: 4.5; 95% C.I: 1.023 - 8.967, p = 0.041), being a student (OR: 2.4: 95% C.I: 1.496 - 7.336, p = 0.003), use of oral contraceptives (OR: 3.4; 95% C.I: 1.068 - 6.932, p = 0.010), use of water cistern (OR: 4.7; C.I: 1.654 - 5.210, p = 0.028) anal hygiene practices (OR: 2.7; 95% C.I: 1.142 - 4.809, p < 0.001) sexual frequency of more than twice in a month (OR: 2.7; 95% CI: 1.032 - 5.309 p = 0.025), retroviral disease positive (OR: 2.7; 95%, C.I: 1.39 - 7.177, p = 0.010), and having dysfunctional family or relationship (OR: 2.7; CI: 1.39 - 7.177, p = 0.036). Conclusion: These findings suggest that targeted sexual and reproductive health interventions should be provided to reduce the risk of abnormal vaginal discharge in women of reproductive age group.

Predictors, Abnormal, Vaginal, Discharge

Egwim, J. , Dike, V. , Igbonagwam, H. , Oke, N. , Amajo, U. , Okafor, A. , Izegbune, A. and Okafor, I. (2024) Predictors of Abnormal Vaginal Discharge among Women of Reproductive Age in Southeast Nigeria. International Journal of Clinical Medicine, 15, 240-256. doi: 10.4236/ijcm.2024.157018.