VULVOVAGINAL CANDIDIASIS- PREVALENCE AND ANALYSIS OF ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS AMONG WOMEN OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE GROUP IN VINDHYA REGION

Background: Although it can affect all groups, vaginitis remains one of the most common ambulatory problems to occur in women of reproductive age group. It accounts for 5-10 million office visits per year throughout world. In India prevalence of vaginitis is approximately 30%. Vaginitis has substantial impact on various aspects of female reproductive health, mental health, work ability and routine physical activity. It is also associated with various obstetrical and gynecological complications. Vulvovaginal candidiasis is common form of vaginitis. So, we aim to find out prevalence and analyze risk factors associated with vulvovaginal candidiasis at tertiary care hospital in Rewa, Madhya Pradesh India. Method: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted at Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shyam Shah Medical College Rewa for 18 months from January 2021 to June 2022 on 1000 women of reproductive age group, visiting routine Gynae OPD of department of Obstetrics & Gynecology. Results: Prevalence of vulvovaginal candidiasis in present study was found to be 12%. Various associated risk factors were OCP use, use of cloth during menses, douching/cleanliness habit, rural area of residence, middle and lower socioeconomic class and various occupations like factory workers and farmers. Conclusion: As it is evident that vaginitis will never be completely prevented, but incidence can be reduced. Much of the morbidity and complications can be reduced by identification and prevention of modifiable risk factors and interventional strategies directed mainly on high-risk behaviors in day-to-day life.