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Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Bacterial Vaginosis and Candidiasis in Non-Pregnant Women of Western Odisha, India

The prevalence of Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) and candidiasis is high in Indian women in the reproductive age groups. Poor menstrual hygiene management (MHM) practices and low socio-demographic features are the major risk factors associated with BV and candidiasis. The aim of the study was to access the MHM practices in association with BV and Candida infection in the population of western Odisha. This cross-sectional study was carried out in the outpatient department of O & G, VIMSAR, Burla, Odisha, from December 2016 to November 2018. Vaginal swabs were collected from the posterior vaginal fornix for analysis. BV was diagnosed by using Nugent’s laboratory diagnostic criteria and identification of Candida was done by Albi Quick TM rapid test. A pre-coded questionnaire was used to collect demographic, clinical, and behavioural (MHM practices) features from the study participants. All data were double-entered into Epi Info 7 software and analysed using Stata 11.0. In 352 women, the prevalence of BV and candidiasis was found in 38.92% (137/352) and 32.67% (115/352) of women respectively. Women were divided into three groups on the basis of age i.e. 18-25 years: 87 (24.72%); 26-35 years: 194 (55.11%); and 36-45 years: 71 (20.17%). Both BV and candidiasis were significantly high in women of 36-45 years age group compared to 18-25 years age group (p<0.05). Women of 36-45 years age group had more number of cases with low education (19.72%), housewife (67.61%), and living in rural villages (61.97%) compared to younger women (p<0.05). Regarding MHM practices, women in the higher age groups used more reusable cloths as absorbent materials (p<0.002), changed absorbent material less frequently (p=0.042) and changed their absorbents somewhere other than in a toilet facility (p<0.018) compared to younger women. The higher prevalence of BV and candidiasis in higher age groups of women may be due to the poor MHM practices, lack of higher education and other low sociodemographic conditions compared to younger age women. An increased awareness for MHM practices is important to combat the associated morbidities related to BV and candidiasis.