Prevalence of bacterial vaginosis in Thai women attending the family planning clinic, Siriraj Hospital.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the prevalence of bacterial vaginosis (BV) among Thai women attending a family planning clinic and to evaluate the association of BV with potential risk factors.


METHODS
A cross sectional prevalence study was conducted among 800 women attending the family planning clinic, Siriraj Hospital, between August and December 2003. BV was diagnosed according to Amsel's criteria. Prevalence and risk factor models were compiled and statistically analyzed


RESULTS
Among the low risk population acquiring sexually transmitted diseases, the prevalence of BV was 14.6% (117 of 800). Asymptomatic disease was recognized in up to 47.9% (56 of 117). BV was significantly more prevalent among those who used douching inside the vagina [OR = 3.98 (1.85-8.33), p < 0.01] and high a prevalence among IUD users [OR = 1.84 (1.22-2.79), p < 0.01]. Although not statistically significant, BV tended to be more prevalent among women with a lower age at first intercourse, higher numbers of lifetime partners, higher frequency of sexual intercourse and current smokers.


CONCLUSIONS
BV is a relatively high prevalent condition. The two potential risk factors, douching inside the vagina and IUD use, can be demonstrated, adding to be more concerned about the inappropriate practice of douching and more consideration in IUD users. The other potential risk factors, the impact to adverse reproductive outcomes and the prevention of BV need further studies, particularly in various Thai populations.
Watcharotone
Wiset
W
Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand.
Sirimai
Korakot
K
Kiriwat
Orawan
O
Nukoolkarn
Puntippa
P
Watcharaprapapong
Ousnee
O
Pibulmanee
Suratana
S
Chandanabodhi
Somthawil
S
Leckyim
Net-Anong
NA
Chiravacharadej
Gessuda
G
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D013785:Thailand / Q000453:epidemiology; D016585:Vaginosis, Bacterial / Q000453:epidemiology*