Abstract

Introduction: Bacterial vaginosis is the commonest cause of abnormal vaginal discharge among women of child bearing age. This study determined the prevalence of bacterial vaginosis in antenatal attendees as well as investigated the relationships between bacterial vaginosis status, previous adverse obstetric outcome and present HIV status.

Methods: Study was cross-sectional using interviewer administered questionnaires. Vaginal samples were collected by physicians and diagnosis made using Amsel criteria. Data analysis was by EPI-INFO 3.5.3. Categorical variables were compared using Chi square and continuous variables using the student t-test. Statistical significance was placed as p<0.05.

Result: Of the 252 subjects studied, 20 were positive for bacterial vaginosis giving a prevalence rate of 7.9%. Of the 23 subjects that had a previous adverse pregnancy outcome, 2 were positive for bacterial vaginosis. Of the 9 subjects that were positive for HIV, Only 1 was positive for bacterial vaginosis.

Conclusion: The associated social and behavioural factors studied did not show any statistically significant association with bacterial vaginosis. The number of HIV positive subjects was low and therefore this study lacked sufficient power to draw conclusions on an association between positive bacterial vaginosis status and HIV status.

Keywords: Bacterial vaginosis; Pregnancy; HIV; Nigeria