Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Bacterial Vaginosis Amongst Female Students Living in The Hostels at Imo State University Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria

• Authors: Chigaemezu Remmy-Martin Akubuo , Chinaekeoke Ikechukwu Ukwu , Bright Odinaka Okorocha , Ekeoma Amelia Igwe , Chiedoziem Boniface Amaechi
• Languages of publication: EN

Abstracts

EN

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) represents the predominant etiological factor contributing to vaginal dysbiosis among women of reproductive age and significantly influences adverse reproductive outcomes. Notwithstanding its critical relevance to public health, there exists a paucity of data concerning BV prevalence among university students residing in communal accommodations in Nigeria. In order to bridge this research deficiency, a cross-sectional study was executed involving 50 female inhabitants of a hostel at Imo State University. High vaginal swabs were procured using sterile techniques and subsequently analyzed through Gram staining, Nugent scoring, and standard bacteriological methodologies. Sociodemographic, behavioral, and hygiene-related data were systematically collected via structured questionnaires. To investigate the association between potential risk factors and BV, chi-square tests alongside multivariate logistic regression analyses was utilized. The findings of the study indicated a BV prevalence of 46.0% (95% CI = 31.8–60.7). Importantly, the average Nugent score was markedly elevated in participants who tested positive for BV (8.2 ± 1.1) in comparison to those testing negative (2.1 ± 0.8; p < 0.001). BV-positive samples exhibited significantly increased bacterial loads (THPC = 3.1 × 107 cfu/g; TCC = 2.0 × 106 cfu/g). Five bacterial species were identified: Staphylococcus aureus (28.6%), Escherichia coli (25.0%), Streptococcus spp. (21.4%), Pseudomonas spp. (17.9%), and Gardnerella vaginalis (7.1%). The multivariate analysis revealed that irregular condom usage (aOR = 11.31, 95% CI = 2.81–45.45), recent antibiotic administration (aOR = 7.07), inadequate menstrual hygiene (aOR = 6.71), employment of scented soaps/douches (aOR = 6.69), and engagement with multiple sexual partners (aOR = 6.38) served as independent predictors of BV. The elevated prevalence of BV among students residing in hostels is intricately linked to modifiable hygiene and behavioral determinants. The predominance of S. aureus and E. coli highlights the implications of both environmental and personal hygiene practices. There exists an imperative for university-oriented initiatives that advocate for safe sexual behaviors, judicious antibiotic utilization, and enhanced menstrual hygiene to mitigate BV and its reproductive health ramifications for young women in Nigeria.

Keywords

EN

Bacterial vaginosis; Escherichia coli; Imo State University; Staphylococcus aureus; hostel residents; risk factors; vaginal microbiota

Discipline

• MICROBIOLOGY: MICROBIOLOGY

• Publisher: Scientific Publishing House „DARWIN”
• Journal: World News of Natural Sciences
• Year: 2025
• Volume: 63
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 491-505

Contributors

author

Chigaemezu Remmy-Martin Akubuo

• Department of Microbiology, Imo State University, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria

author

Chinaekeoke Ikechukwu Ukwu

• Department of Microbiology, Imo State University, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria

author

Bright Odinaka Okorocha

• Department of Medicine and Surgery, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, NNEWI Campus, Anambra State, Nigeria

author

Ekeoma Amelia Igwe

• Department of Medicine and Surgery, Imo State University, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria

author

Chiedoziem Boniface Amaechi

• Department of Medicine and Surgery, Imo State University, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria

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• Document Type: article