Inadequacies in service delivery for the diagnosis and treatment of vaginitis and vaginosis in Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), a common cause of vaginitis, affects 75% of women in their lifetime. In Kenya, vaginitis/VVC is managed using the vaginal discharge syndrome guidelines. We assessed how frequently healthcare workers consider the diagnosis of vaginitis/VVC in symptomatic women, and adherence to the syndromic guidelines, outpatient records at Nairobi City County health facilities, of non-pregnant symptomatic females aged ≥15 years were abstracted. Descriptive statistics were applied, and analysis of determinants of practice determined using multivariable logistic regression models. Of 6,516 patients, 4,236 (65%) (inter-facility range 11–92%) had vaginitis of which 1,554 (37%) were considered VVC (inter-facility range 0–99%). Vaginitis was associated with facility, adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.80 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.64–4.76) and aOR 0.03 (95% CI 0.02–0.04); and month, aOR 0.33 (95% CI 0.25–0.43). Vaginal examination was in 53% (inter-facility range 0–98%). Adherence to syndromic treatment was 56% (inter-facility range 0–83%), better with older patients (aOR 7.73, 95% CI 3.31–18.07). Vaginitis and VVC are commonly diagnosed in symptomatic patients in Nairobi; adherence to the syndromic guidelines is low and differs across the health facilities. Interventions to improve adherence are needed.