A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY ON FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO INCREASED PREVALENCE OF VAGINAL CANDIDIASIS IN PREGNANT MOTHERS ATTENDING ANTENATAL CLINIC AT TORORO GENERAL HOSPITAL, TORORO DISTRICT.

Abstract

Background:

The purpose of the study was to determine the factors (Social demographic and human behavioral) contributing to the increased prevalence of vaginal candidiasis in pregnant mothers attending antenatal clinics at Tororo General Hospital, Tororo district.

Methodology:

The study employed a cross-sectional study design with simple random sampling as the sampling technique. Data was collected on a sample size of 50 respondents using questionnaires comprised of closed questions written in English and later translated to local languages, data was analyzed using tally sheets, computed into frequency and percentage using the Microsoft Excel program with illustrated figures(bar graphs and pie charts)and tables for easier interpretation.

Results:

The overall results in regards to social demographic factors contributing to the increased prevalence of vaginal candidiasis showed that (54%) of the respondents were within the age bracket of 27-35 years, (48%) had attained a secondary level of education, (52%) were unemployed, (86) % were urban residents and (54%) were within the gestation age of 7-9 months.

In addition to that, the results on behavioral factors contributing to the increased prevalence vaginal candidiasis showed that (80%) were practicing douching, (72%) were using Nylon knickers, (80%) had been on recent antibiotic treatment, and (78%) had been on recent antifungal treatment.

Conclusion:

The social demographic factors were quite pleasing but noticed poor behavioral factors of practicing douching, wiping the vagina after sex from behind to in front, recent antibiotic treatment especially due to self-medication, and putting on Nylon knickers.

Recommendation:

The health workers at Tororo General Hospital enrich pregnant mothers with knowledge on human behavioral causes of vaginal candidiasis.