title: Epidemiology of bacterial vaginosis.
abstract: Studies of the prevalence of and risk factors for bacterial vaginosis are flawed by imprecision in diagnosis, failure to study large and well-characterized populations, selection bias, and failure to correct for confounding variables. Prevalences range from 5% for women without any symptoms to 25% for those with gynecologic symptoms. Although bacterial vaginosis is associated with nonwhite race and intrauterine contraceptive device use, these may represent surrogate markers for other presently unappreciated risk factors.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Vermont College of Medicine.
authors.forename: P B
authors.initials: PB
authors.lastname: Mead
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D016585:Vaginosis, Bacterial / Q000453:epidemiology*