Abstract

Bacterial vaginosis is a global concern due to the risk associated with it, as it increases the risk of Human Immunodeficiency Virus, other sexually transmitted diseases and in Owerri West LGA, the situation report is scarce. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of Bacterial vaginosis, and age-related prevalence among the Owerri West LGA women in order to sensitize, create awareness and suggest possible ways of interventions to avoid complications associated with it among them. The cross-sectional descriptive study design was adopted and two hundred and ninety-six (296) vaginal smears (swabs) from symptomatic and asymptomatic women ranging from 18-37 years were collected to determine the prevalence of Bacterial vaginosis among them using Amsel and Nugent criteria as well as with a view to establishing the age group mostly affected. Statistical analysis was based on simple percentages. Out of the 296 women screened for Bacterial vaginosis, 90 (30.4%) of them were infected using Amsel criteria while 89 (30.1%) were positive with Nugent criteria, confirming the reliability of the two diagnostic methods. The age related prevalence 37.1% (3-27) years was higher than the other age cohorts. The total prevalence rate of 30.4% demands urgent attention to prevent bacterial vaginosis associated complications and devastating effects on women’s reproductive system and pregnancy. Women both symptomatic and asymptomatic should try and undergo Bacterial vaginosis screening to avoid complications, government through its organ should create more awareness among women folk while adequate laboratory facilities suitable for screening and testing should be provided. Moreover, well trained medical laboratory Scientists be employed to handle screening of special cases such as Bacterial vaginosis.