Bacterial vaginosis and pregnancy outcomes in women delivered at our Lady of Apostles hospital, Jos, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Bacterial vaginosis has been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes affecting the neonate, mother and invariably the whole family. The general objective of the study was to determine the association between bacterial vaginosis and pregnancy outcomes among women delivered in O. L. A Hospital, Jos, in order to recommend management guidelines for such women. Methods: A prospective observational study of women delivered at O.L.A. Hospital, Jos was done over a period of four months. Two hundred and eleven study participants were recruited. The diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis was made using The Amsel criteria. Pregnancy outcomes in terms of gestational age at delivery, delivery outcomes, neonatal morbidity and maternal morbidity were observed. Results: The prevalence of bacterial vaginosis among the participants in this study was 25.6%. There was a significant relationship between bacterial vaginosis and educational status (X2 = 8.596, p = 0.035), gestational age at delivery (X2 = 18.272, p = 0.011), preterm rupture of membranes (X2 = 10.812, p = 0.001) and prolonged pre-labour rupture of membranes (X2 = 82.72, p = 0.004). Prolonged pre-labour rupture of membranes was predictive of bacterial vaginosis (Odds ratio = 0.185, p = 0.0005).There was a significant relationship between foetal/neonatal morbidity and bacterial vaginosis (X2 = 4.370, p = 0.037), but there was however no significant relationships between bacterial vaginosis and each of the foetal/neonatal morbidities identified (p>.05). Conclusion: The study shows bacterial vaginosis is prevalent in pregnant women who deliver in the facility. Lack of formal education was identified as a risk for bacterial vaginosis. Bacterial vaginosis has a significant relationship with adverse pregnancy outcomes in these women.