Prevalence of bacterial vaginosis in pregnancy in a tertiary health institution, south western Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common cause of vaginal discharge in women of child bearing age. Bacterial vaginosis has
emerged as a global health issue due to the adverse outcome in pregnancy and in the puerperium. The study determined the prevalence of BV and
outcome of delivery among pregnant women. Methods: socio-demographic data and vaginal swab samples were obtained from 362 consecutive
pregnant women with abnormal vaginal discharge attending antenatal clinic in Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti. Data were analysed
using SPSS statistical software 21 and association between variables was compared using Chi square. Results: the prevalence of BV among pregnant
women with abnormal vaginal discharge in this study was 16.6%. Age group 25-34yrs, multiparity and higher education were significantly associated
with BV, p < 0.05. Symptoms such as vulvar itching, dyspareunia, lower abdominal pains and characteristic of vaginal discharge such as colour and
consistency were significantly associated with BV, p < 0.05. Women with bacterial vaginosis significantly had prelabour rupture of fetal membrane
and their babies were born prematurely with low birth weight and Apgar score of less than 5 at one minute, p < 0.05. However, there was no
difference statistically in rate of admission into special care baby unit among the women, p > 0.05. Conclusion: the findings of this study suggest
that there should be screening for BV in pregnant women presenting with abnormal vaginal discharge so that they could be treated accordingly. This
will mitigate the complications arising from bacterial vaginosis.