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Factors linked to bacterial vaginosis in nonpregnant women

Author

Listed:
  • Holzman, C.
  • Leventhal, J.M.
  • Qiu, H.
  • Jones, N.M.
  • Wang, J.

Abstract

Objectives. The purposes of this study were to test the hypothesis that vaginal douching is linked to bacterial vaginosis in both symptomatic and asymptomatic women and to identify other demographic, reproductive, and lifestyle factors associated with bacterial vaginosis. Methods. In this cross-sectional study involving 3 clinic sites, 496 nonpregnant women completed a self-administered questionnaire. Their vaginal smears were assessed and cross-validated for bacterial vaginosis. Results. The prevalence of bacterial vaginosis across clinics ranged from 15% to 30%. In analyses restricted to site 1, adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for bacterial vaginosis remained significant for African American women with 13 or fewer years of education (OR=5.5, 95% confidence interval [CI]=2.1, 14.5), hormone use within the past 6 months (OR=0.5, 95% CI=0.2, 0.8), and vaginal douching within the past 2 months (OR=2.9, 95% CI=1.5, 5.6). Conclusions. Two lifestyle factors emerge as strongly associated with bacterial vaginosis: systemic contraceptives appear protective, whereas douching is linked to an increase in prevalence. The temporal relationship between douching and bacterial vaginosis needs further clarification.

Suggested Citation

  • Holzman, C. & Leventhal, J.M. & Qiu, H. & Jones, N.M. & Wang, J., 2001. "Factors linked to bacterial vaginosis in nonpregnant women," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 91(10), pages 1664-1670.
    • Handle: RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:2001:91:10:1664-1670_0
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    Cited by:

    1. Lenka A Vodstrcil & Jane S Hocking & Matthew Law & Sandra Walker & Sepehr N Tabrizi & Christopher K Fairley & Catriona S Bradshaw, 2013. "Hormonal Contraception Is Associated with a Reduced Risk of Bacterial Vaginosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 8(9), pages 1-16, September.
    2. Paul, Kathleen & Boutain, Doris & Manhart, Lisa & Hitti, Jane, 2008. "Racial disparity in bacterial vaginosis: the role of socioeconomic status, psychosocial stress, and neighborhood characteristics, and possible implications for preterm birth," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 67(5), pages 824-833, September.

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