Infectious vaginitis among women seeking reproductive health services at a sexual and reproductive health facility in Kampala, Uganda

Abstract

Abstract Background Infectious vaginitis is one of the most prevalent conditions affecting women of reproductive age with significant clinical consequences. Bacterial vaginosis (BV), vulvo-vaginal candidiasis (VVC), and trichomoniasis (TV) are the main etiologies. Unfortunately, there is limited data on the prevalence and associated risk factors, especially in sub-saharan Africa. This study, thus, determined the prevalence and risk factors of infectious vaginitis among women seeking reproductive health services at a Marie-stopes health facility in urban areas of Kampala, Uganda. Methods A cross-sectional study with 361 participants was conducted from July to October 2021. Data on risk factors and infection were collected via a structured questionnaire and laboratory analysis of vaginal swabs, respectively, with data analysis performed using Stata version 14.0 college station, Texas 77,845 US. Results The ages of participants ranged from 18 to 49 years, with a mean age of 29.53 years. Overall, 58.45% were infected, of whom 33.24% had VVC, 24.93% had BV, and 0.28% had TV. Bivariate analysis revealed that women with pruritus (COR: 3.057, 95% CI: 1.940–4.819), pregnancy (COR: 4.914, 95% CI: 1.248–19.36), antibiotic use (COR: 1.592, 95% CI: 1.016–2.494), douching (COR: 1.719, 95% CI: 1.079–2.740), and multiple partners (COR: 1.844, 95% CI: 1.079–2.904) were more likely to have VVC, whereas having higher education status (University; Vocational) (COR: 0.325, 95% CI: 0.134–0.890; COR: 0.345, 95% CI: 0.116–0.905) reduced the risk. On the other hand, women with a smelly discharge (COR: 1.796, 95% CI: 1.036–3.110), IUD use (COR: 1.868, 95% CI: 1.039–3.358), and antibiotic use (COR: 1.731, 95% CI: 1.066–2.811) were more likely to have BV. Multivariable analysis identified pruritus (AOR: 2.861, 95% CI: 1.684–4.863) as the only independent predictor for VVC. Conclusion Results indicate a high prevalence of infection among these women; therefore regular screening and treatment is recommended to curb the high rate of infection. More studies on risk factors of infection are recommended.