Vulvovaginal Care Practices among Patients Presenting to Special Treatment Clinic of a Tertiary Healthcare Facility in Northwest Nigeria

Abstract

Background: To prevent discomfort from vulvovaginal complaints and as a way of maintaining personal hygiene, women use various cleaning agents for vulvovaginal care. Unfortunately, some of these agents are injurious to the vulvovaginal area. The muco-cutaneous inflammation, often caused by their use may cause further discomfort and increase the risk of acquisition of sexually transmitted infections like HIV. Aim: This study aimed at identifying agents women commonly use for vulvovaginal care with a view of generating public awareness and promoting correct practices thereby reducing risk of acquiring sexually transmitted infections such as HIV, genital chlamydial infection and gonorrhea. Methodology: It was a cross sectional study involving women who presented to the Special Treatment Clinic (STC) of a tertiary healthcare facility in Northwest Nigeria with vulvovaginal symptoms over a 6-month period were recruited. Structured questionnaire was used to collect data on their socio demographic and bio-medical characteristics, symptoms of vaginitis and various vaginal cleaning agents used. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 20.0 and descriptive statistics documented. Results: A total of 351 women attending STC were analyzed. Age range was 15- 65years, with mean age of 28.7±8.5. Majority 247(70.1%) were married, 229 (65.2%) were unemployed while 144(41%) had attained tertiary education. The commonest agent used for vulvovaginal care (52.4%) was water only. Other agents identified included antiseptic soap/solution (8.8%), mild toilet soap (8.5%), herbs (2.8%), local soap (2.3%) and 21.9% used a combination of various agents. Educational level was the only factor associated with type of agents used for cleaning (p=0.002). Conclusion: In conclusion, the high prevalence of use of other agents apart from water underscores the need for creating public awareness about proper vulvovaginal care among young girls and women.