Evaluating the Factors Influencing Bacterial Vaginosis in Pregnant Women: An Analytical Cross-Sectional Study

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) has consistently been associated with adverse obstetric and gynaecological outcomes. It is a common vaginal condition. This study determined the prevalence and factors associated with BV among pregnant women.

This study was a prospective analytical cross-sectional study in which 350 pregnant women, attending the antenatal clinic of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, over 6 months, had high vaginal swab samples taken aseptically and examined for Bacterial Vaginosis using the Nugent scoring system. Relevant sociodemographic, obstetric and gynaecologic data were obtained with a structured interview-based questionnaire. The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for possible risk factors for BV were determined.

The prevalence of bacterial vaginosis in pregnancy was 32%. Bacterial vaginosis was independently associated with no formal education [OR 4.19, 95% CI 2.47-4.56, p= 0.001]; primary education (OR 3.50, 95% CI 2.42-4.14, p<0.001); secondary education (OR 1.75, 95% CI 1.16- 2.41, p=0.009); increased coital frequency (OR 1.78, 95% CI 1.24-2.31, p=0.003); douching with water (OR 2.69, 95% CI 1.41- 4.43; p=0.004); douching with Dettol (OR 7.19, 95% CI 2.51- 8.61, p=0.004); douching with soap (OR 5.76, 95% CI 3.54-7.41, p< 0.001); HIV infection (OR 2.75, 95% CI 1.65-3.15, p=0.003) and obesity (OR 1.77 95% CI 1.20- 2.33, p=0.006).

The prevalence of bacterial vaginosis is high in pregnancy. It is significantly associated with low levels of education, increased coital frequency, douching, HIV infection, and obesity in pregnancy.