Analysis of Vaginal Candidiasis Prevalence among Bangladeshi women in relation to menstrual hygiene and other risk factors: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Vaginal candidiasis, which is an infection of the female reproductive system, continues to be a leading risk factor of morbidity, which negatively impact the physical and mental health of women worldwide. As the second most common kind of vaginal infection, this illness affects many women. Candida albicans, the fungus that causes vaginal candidiasis (VC), continues to be a major health issue for reproductive-age women. Despite widespread awareness, vaginal candidiasis is still seen as a minor health issue in many impoverished nations like Bangladesh. This study aimed to examine and evaluate the prevalence of vaginal candidiasis and its associa tion with menstrual hygiene and other risk factors among reproductive-aged women. This cross-sectional study was carried out at AK memorial hospital, Maona, Gazipur and Lubana General Hospital & Uttara Cardiac Center. The total number of participants were 244, among them 91 tested positive for Vaginal Candidiasis. Among the participants, prevalence of Vaginal Candidiasis was mostly seen on women aged between 15 to 34 (66%) and also in 70.3% pa tients who are married. According to the educational background and social status, prevalence of this disease is mostly seen on women of lower middle class and with higher secondary edu cation. Another major part of the study is to know about the relation between menstrual hy giene and vaginal candidiasis. About 33% of the women use cloth and another 33% use both sanitary napkin and cloth as an absorbent. 68% women change the absorbent only about 1-2 times per day. Because of these practices poor menstrual hygiene is detected as the most causative factor of Vaginal Candidiasis among these women from this study (about 35%). This study also investigates the various symptoms and problems experienced by people with vaginal candidiasis. In developing country like ours, in most of cases this disease is treated after only doing pelvic examination. Though, Vaginal Candidiasis is a type of mild infection for most the cases still it needs to be given importance as it can cause troublesome and serious complica tions such as recurrent infection, candidemia etc.