Assessment of Risk Factors and Medication Use for Infectious Vaginitis Among Females of Reproductive Age Visiting Maternity Hospital of Pokhara, Nepal

Vaginitis is one of the most common gynecological problems in females especially in their reproductive ages and poses significant clinical consequences if left untreated. The study aims to assess the risk factors and medication used for its management in reproductive-aged females with vaginitis visiting maternity hospital of Pokhara, Nepal.

A prospective cross-sectional study was carried out on females of age group 15-49 years, diagnosed with infectious vaginitis for the period of two months. Assessment was made based on clinical profile, questionnaire and personnel interview. Descriptive statistics was used for analyzing the results of the study.

A total of 130 patients were enrolled in the study. Most patients were literate, married and from rural area. Bacterial and fungal infections were common cause for vaginitis representing 56% and 22% respectively. The study shows that the 70% females with infectious vaginitis had a practice of using plain cloth napkins, during their menstruation period and 35% had previous infection in reproductive organ, also risk factors such as pregnancy, use of oral contraceptive, recent antibiotics/steroid use, sexually transmitted disease (STD) and diabetes were commonly present in females with infectious vaginitis. The most frequently (75%) prescribed drug was topical antibacterial –antifungal agents. Metronidazole, cefpodoxime and ciprofloxacin were mostly prescribed among antibiotics whereas fluconazole and clotrimazole were among antifungals.

The study recommends need of awareness and educational programs concerning reproductive health and hygiene for females in these areas. Prescribing trend shows slight discrepancy from standard treatment guidelines for vaginal infections.