Prevalence of Bacterial Vaginosis among Symptomatic Pregnant Women in Bundelkhand Region: A Cross-Sectional Study

Author: Deepika T., Rishi S., Sippy A. and Sonika G.

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Abstract

Vaginal infections during pregnancy can cause serious difficulties for both the mother and the new born, leading to gynaecologic and obstetric issues. BV may be classified as a sexually enhanced disease (SED) rather than sexually transmitted diseases (STD), with the frequency of intercourse playing an important role. As a result, greater emphasis should be placed on investigating primary preventive strategies. However, no study has assessed the prevalence of BV among pregnant women in Uttar Pradesh's Bundelkhand region. As a result, this study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of BV among pregnant women. Material and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among the symptomatic pregnant women lying in any gestational week, attending the OPD/IPD of Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of MLB Medical College of Jhansi with universal safety precautions during the period of 2 years from January 2021 to December 2022. A total 250 samples were randomly collected. The vaginal swabs were taken for all the pregnant woman. Amsel's clinical criteria for bacterial vaginosis diagnosis were used in this study. Data were analyzed in SPSS v- 24. Chi-square test was applied. p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The prevalence of BV among pregnant women in this study was 28%. Women in the first trimester of pregnancy had a higher proportion of BV than those in later trimesters, and this difference was statistically significant. Women who were multiparous, had a history of miscarriage, had a low socioeconomic status, and were using oral contraceptives were more likely to have BV. Conclusion: BV is prevalent among pregnant women in the Bundelkhand region, and early detection is critical for favourable pregnancy outcomes and reducing complications. As most of the participants were from rural backgrounds, it was a challenge to make them understand the need for such study and taking participation consent. Primary preventive strategies should be emphasized, particularly for women who are multiparous, have a history of miscarriage, have a low socioeconomic status, and are using oral contraceptives.

Keywords

Prevalence, Bacterial Vaginosis, Pregnant woman, Amsel's criteria, Multiparous

Conclusion

According to Amsel's criteria, almost one-third of the pregnant women in our study had bacterial vaginosis. Bacterial vaginosis is more common in first-trimester pregnant women. As BV is common in pregnant women, early detection of pregnant women with the aforementioned characteristics should be a key element of the laboratory inquiry, as it is critical for favourable pregnancy outcomes and reducing problems.

References

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How to cite this article

Deepika T., Rishi S., Sippy A. and Sonika G. (2023). Prevalence of Bacterial Vaginosis among Symptomatic Pregnant Women in Bundelkhand Region: A Cross-Sectional Study. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(5): 593-596.