Prevalence of bacterial vaginosis and associated factors in twenty Peruvian cities

Abstract

Objetives. To determine the prevalence of bacterial vaginosis (BV) and associated factors among 18–29-year-old women in

20 Peruvian cities using PREVEN project data. Materials and Methods. In this cross-sectional study, BV was defined using

previously provided vaginal discharge samples on slides, which were Gram stained and observed under a microscope to

determine the Nugent scores. A BV diagnosis was applied to samples with scores of 7–10. Prevalence ratios (PR) and 95%

confidence intervals (95% CI) were estimated using generalized linear models. Results. A total of 6,322 women participated

in the epidemiological survey and provided vaginal swabs. The prevalence of BV was 23.7% (95% CI: 22.6–24.7) and was

associated with a greater number of sexual partners in the last 12 months (PR: 1.22, 95% CI: 1.03–1.44, p=0.020 for two

partners; PR: 1.46, 95% CI: 1.23–1.74, p<0.001 for three or more partners), not using a condom during last intercourse

(PR: 1.16, 95% CI: 1.01–1.34, p=0.034), being a sierra resident (PR: 1.18, 95% CI: 1.05–1.31, p=0.004), and having

abnormal vaginal discharge or a bad smell (PR: 1.20, 95% CI: 1.09–1.33, p<0.001). Conclusions. The high prevalence of

BV highlights the need to strengthen health services aimed at the detection and treatment of this condition.