Prevalence of candidiasis among female patients attending Federal Medical Centre Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria

In this study, the prevalence and associated risk factors of vaginal candidiasis among female patients attending the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri was investigated. High Vaginal Swabs (HVS) specimens were collected, cultured and C. albicans identified. The overall prevalence rate of vaginal candidiasis was 28.3%, with the highest rate of 33.3% observed among the age group 26-30years, while the lowest prevalence (17.1%) was among ages 31-45 years. Based on the nature of underwear, those who wore silk and very tight underwear recorded the highest prevalence (34.5% and 77.8%, respectively) while those who wore nylon and loose underwears had the least prevalence (23.1% and 24.2%, respectively). By level of education, primary school leavers had the highest prevalence (50%) while graduates had the lowest prevalence (23.9%). Those who had history of STI and those with vaginal discharge/discomfort had high prevalence of 30.8% and 30.1%, respectively. The study revealed the prevalence of vaginal candidiasis among general study subjects to be 28.3%; 34 out of 120, which was considerably higher than that of non-candidiasis; 86 out of 120. Low income, sexual activity, tight underwears, previous history of STI, ignorance, as well as poor personal hygiene have been implicated as possible risk factors. Efforts should therefore be made to educate females on the subject from time to time and access to quality social amenities, health care services, prompt diagnosis and treatment of STI and vaginosis should be improved upon. Microbiological analysis of HVS for all pregnant women during their first antenatal visit is also recommended.