Prevalence of and risk factors for bacterial vaginosis among women of reproductive age attending cervical screening in southeastern Brazil.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the prevalence of and risk factors for bacterial vaginosis.


METHODS
A cross-sectional study of women aged 14-54 years attending 18 primary healthcare units in Botucatu, Brazil, for cervical screening was undertaken between September 1, 2012, and January 31, 2013. Data on sociodemographics, sexual behavior, and medical history were obtained by interview. Vaginal swabs were taken to classify the vaginal flora according to the Nugent scoring system. Candida sp. hyphae and infection by Trichomonas vaginalis were also evaluated by microscopy and culture, respectively. Stepwise logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors independently associated with bacterial vaginosis.


RESULTS
Among 1519 women included in analyses, 457 (30.1%) had bacterial vaginosis. Variables independently associated with bacterial vaginosis were a single marital status (OR 1.4; 95%CI 1.1-1.8), partner infidelity (OR 1.5; 95%CI 1.2-1.9), abnormal discharge in the previous year (OR 1.5; 95%CI 1.2-2.0), and concurrent trichomoniasis (OR 4.1; 95%CI 1.5-11.5). Current use of hormonal contraception (OR 0.7; 95%CI 0.5-0.9), luteal phase of menstrual cycle (OR 0.8; 95%CI 0.6-0.9), higher income (OR 0.8; 95%CI 0.6-0.9), and vaginal candidiasis (OR 0.5; 95%CI 0.3-0.9) all had protective effects.


CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of bacterial vaginosis in the study population is high. The epidemiological data provide evidence of the sexual transmissibility of bacterial vaginosis.
Department of Pathology, Botucatu Medical School, Univ Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil.
Camila
C
Marconi
Department of Nursing, Botucatu Medical School, Univ Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil.
Marli T C
MT
Duarte
Department of Health of Botucatu Prefecture, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil.
Daniela C
DC
Silva
Department of Pathology, Botucatu Medical School, Univ Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil. Electronic address: mgsilva@fmb.unesp.br.
Márcia G
MG
Silva
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D002181:Candidiasis, Vulvovaginal / Q000382:microbiology; D003278:Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005831:Genital Diseases, Female / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000382:microbiology; D006801:Humans; D025301:Hyphae; D008183:Luteal Phase; D017533:Marital Status; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012747:Sexual Partners; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014247:Trichomonas Vaginitis / Q000382:microbiology; D014246:Trichomonas vaginalis; D014621:Vagina / Q000382:microbiology; D016585:Vaginosis, Bacterial / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology*; D055815:Young Adult
D003278:Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal
Bacterial vaginosis; Risk factor; Sexual behavior; Sexually transmitted infection