An epidemiological survey of bacterial vaginosis, vulvovaginal candidiasis and trichomoniasis in the Tibetan area of Sichuan Province, China

Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2010 Jun;150(2):207-9. doi: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2010.02.027. Epub 2010 Mar 5.

Abstract

Objective: To determine the prevalence and risk factors of vaginitis in the Tibetan area of Sichuan Province in China.

Study design: Between September and October 2007, 397 women were surveyed with a questionnaire and diagnosed with bacterial vaginosis (BV), vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) and trichomoniasis by Gram stain and microscopy of vaginal swabs.

Results: The prevalence of BV, VVC, and trichomoniasis was 51.6%, 6.5%, and 2.5%, respectively. Multivariate logistic modeling showed that risk factors associated with having vaginitis due to any of the three infections were older age and Tibetan ethnicity.

Conclusion: BV appears to be the predominant cause of vaginitis, followed by VVC, and trichomoniasis. Risk factors for vaginitis include being more than 49 years old and of Tibetan ethnicity.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Candidiasis, Vulvovaginal / diagnosis
  • Candidiasis, Vulvovaginal / epidemiology*
  • China / epidemiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Prevalence
  • Regression Analysis
  • Risk Assessment
  • Risk Factors
  • Rural Health
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Tibet / epidemiology
  • Trichomonas Vaginitis / diagnosis
  • Trichomonas Vaginitis / epidemiology*
  • Vaginal Smears
  • Vaginosis, Bacterial / diagnosis
  • Vaginosis, Bacterial / epidemiology*