THE PREVALENCE OF ASYMPTOMATIC AND SYMPTOMATIC BACTERIA VAGINOSIS AMONG FIRST-TIME ANTENATAL CLINIC ATTENDEES AT AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL, SHIKAZARIA

Abstract

Objective: To determine the prevalence and characteristics of bacteria vaginosis among first time antenatal clinic attendees at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital Shika-Zaria.
Design: Cross sectional study
Setting: Antenatal clinic, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital Shika-Zaria
Subject: Two hundred and twenty eight consecutive booking clients were enrolled for the study spanning a period of three months (April-June 2008)
Results: Two hundred and twenty clients concluded the study and were analysed. The overall prevalence of bacteria vaginosis was 14.6%. Prevalence of asymptomatic BV was 9.6%. 11(34.4%) of the clients were symptomatic while 21 (65.6%) were asymptomatic. Presence of clue cells on microscopy, absence of yeast cells and isolation of gardnerrella vaginalis were significantly associated with BV. (X2 =10.486, p=0.001; X2= 4.120, p=0.042; X2 =36.480, p=0.000 respectively) BV was more prevalent in the second trimester (81.3%), among parous women with low education, low economic status, in polygamous marriages, who had not used hormonal contraceptives or who were HIV positive. Previous low birth weight and preterm delivery were more likely in women with BV.

Conclusion: The prevalence of BV is high among pregnant women in ABUTH Zaria. It is necessary to screen for BV in high risk pregnant women with previous untoward events like low birth weight and preterm delivery especially in the second trimester.

THE PREVALENCE OF ASYMPTOMATIC AND SYMPTOMATIC BACTERIA VAGINOSIS AMONG FIRST-TIME ANTENATAL CLINIC ATTENDEES AT AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL, SHIKAZARIA