Vaginal infections in pregnant women in Jamaica: prevalence and risk factors

Int J STD AIDS. 2000 Aug;11(8):516-20. doi: 10.1258/0956462001916425.

Abstract

Trichomoniasis, bacterial vaginosis (BV) and candidiasis are reproductive tract infections (RTIs) of the vagina. We conducted a cross-sectional study in 4 prenatal clinics in Kingston, Jamaica, to estimate the prevalence of these infections and the risk factors that may facilitate their transmission among pregnant women. Of the 269 women studied, 18.0% had culture-positive trichomoniasis, 44.1% had BV (Nugent score > or = 7) and 30.7% were positive for candidiasis by wet mount. A multiple logistic regression analysis showed that having a malodorous discharge was associated with trichomoniasis (odd ratios [OR]=3.9, confidence intervals [CI]=1.04-14.7) and BV (OR=3.4, CI=1.3-8.7). Women who took action to prevent HIV infection had lower BV prevalence (OR=0.34, CI=0.12-0.98). Women who were employed were less likely to have any of the infections (OR=0.61, CI=0.36-1.03). The strong association of a symptomatic presentation with trichomoniasis and BV suggests the merit of considering syndromic management of vaginitis in this population.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Candidiasis, Vulvovaginal / epidemiology*
  • Candidiasis, Vulvovaginal / etiology*
  • Candidiasis, Vulvovaginal / prevention & control
  • Candidiasis, Vulvovaginal / transmission
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Health Behavior
  • Humans
  • Jamaica / epidemiology
  • Logistic Models
  • Population Surveillance
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / epidemiology*
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / etiology*
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / prevention & control
  • Prevalence
  • Risk Factors
  • Trichomonas Vaginitis / epidemiology*
  • Trichomonas Vaginitis / etiology*
  • Trichomonas Vaginitis / prevention & control
  • Trichomonas Vaginitis / transmission
  • Urban Health / statistics & numerical data
  • Vaginosis, Bacterial / epidemiology*
  • Vaginosis, Bacterial / etiology*
  • Vaginosis, Bacterial / prevention & control
  • Vaginosis, Bacterial / transmission