Environmental and human behavioral factors associated with Vulvovaginal Candidiasis among single and married Women in Eket

Ekom Ndifreke Edem*, Emem Okon Mbong and Udeme Olayinka Olaniyan

Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (VVC) is caused by the overgrowth of yeasts, mainly Candida albicans. Their prevalence is consequent on some known environmental and human behaviors including; intercourse frequency, menstrual protection methods, direction of vaginal wiping after sex, toilet type, toilet paper used, recent antibiotic use, underwear fabric, tight clothing and birth control methods. These behaviors are often neglected. The current study examines these factors and their relationship with Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (VVC) among Single and Married Women attending Heritage Polytechnic Health Centre, Eket. The prevalence of VVC was 63.3% with occurrence rate of VVC among married, single, pregnant and 20-34 age group, as 31.9%, 31.4%, 40.4% and 53.1%, respectively. The occurrence of VVC was positively associated with menstrual protection methods, direction of vaginal wiping after sex, toilet type, toilet paper used, recent antibiotic use, underwear fabric, birth control methods and tight clothing. There was no significant association between VVC and intercourse frequency among singles. Risk factor like toilet users, had no association with VVC among singles but had some level of association (p<0.05) among the married. In conclusion, the high prevalence of vaginal candidiasis among women with genital infections shows there is a need for training of health laboratory workers in antenatal, STD, outpatient and family planning clinics on pH determination in order to improve the early detection of an alteration around the vaginal environment which may lead to VVC.

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Published on: Apr 27, 2021 Pages: 37-42

Full Text PDF Full Text HTML DOI: 10.17352/2455-5363.000044
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