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

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 ≥ 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.