Vaginal practices of HIV-negative Zimbabwean women.
BACKGROUND
Vaginal practices (VPs) may increase HIV risk by injuring vaginal epithelium or by increasing risk of bacterial vaginosis, an established risk factor for HIV.


METHODS
HIV-negative Zimbabwean women (n = 2,185) participating in a prospective study on hormonal contraception and HIV risk completed an ancillary questionnaire capturing detailed VP data at quarterly followup visits for two years.


RESULTS
Most participants (84%) reported ever cleansing inside the vagina, and at 40% of visits women reported drying the vagina using cloth or paper. Vaginal tightening using cloth/cotton wool, lemon juice, traditional herbs/powders, or other products was reported at 4% of visits. Women with ≥15 unprotected sex acts monthly had higher odds of cleansing (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.17, 95% CI: 1.04-1.32). Women with sexually transmitted infections had higher odds of tightening (aOR: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.08-1.86).


CONCLUSIONS
Because certain vaginal practices were associated with other HIV risk factors, synergism between VPs and other risk factors should be explored.
Turner
Abigail Norris
AN
Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Medical Center, 410 West 10th Avenue, Doan Hall, N-11, Columbus, OH 43210, USA. ant@osumc.edu
Morrison
Charles S
CS
Munjoma
Marshall W
MW
Moyo
Precious
P
Chipato
Tsungai
T
van de Wijgert
Janneke H
JH
D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D015497:HIV-1; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D016015:Logistic Models; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D014621:Vagina / Q000821:virology*; D044364:Vaginal Douching; D015030:Zimbabwe / Q000453:epidemiology