Bacterial vaginosis and associated risk factors in pregnant women attending Ante Natal Clinic at Pumwani Maternity Hospital –Kenya

Introduction: Bacterial vaginosis [BV] is a syndrome characterized by a shift in vaginal flora. It is a strong independent risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes, found in 9% to 23% of pregnant women. Not many studies on BV have been conducted among the pregnant women attending Pumwani Maternity Hospital in Kenya. This study defined the prevalence and factors for prevalence of BV in pregnant women attending Pumwani Maternity Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya. Methods: One hundred and fifty women who attended the Pumwani Maternity Hospital Ante natal clinic formed the basis of the study. This study received ethical approval from the Pumwani Maternity Hospital ante natal department and KEMRI ethics committee. Vaginal swabs were obtained from all the 150 women who consented and detailed demographic, sexual and genital hygiene interviews were collected. BV was tested using both the Amsel and Nugent’s criteria. Results: Of 150 participants, the mean age was 26.02 years, [range 22 [16 – 38] years], 72.7% were aged 21- 30 years. Sixty eight percent were unemployed, 72.6% married, 20.7% reported previous STI including HIV, 74%, the age of sexual debut was less than 16 years; 78% had a regular sexual partner, 87.3% of them were circumcised male partners, 24% reported douching and 47.3% reported genital washing after sex. Twenty point seven percent had BV by Nugent’s criteria. Bacterial vaginosis was associated with having given birth only once [20.3% vs. 19.1%; p=0.03], more than one previous birth [19.2% vs. 19.1%; p=0.026], previous STI [50% vs. 19.4%; p=0.042] and non-circumcised male partners [18.3% vs. 36.8%; p=0.033]. Conclusion: Bacterial vaginosis is prevalent among pregnant women. The factors associated with BV include partners not being circumcised, primiparous and a history of previous STI infections