Recurrent Vulvovaginal Candidiasis: Assessing The Relationship Between Feminine/Vaginal Washes And Other Factors Among Ghanaian Women

Abstract

ntroduction Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (VVC) is a public health problem, with approximately 30–50% of women affected at least once during their lifetime. Recurrent Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (RVVC) is diagnosed following three or four repeated episodes of VVC in a calendar year. This condition poses health concerns with significant impacts on the quality of life for women. This cross-sectional study estimated the prevalence of RVVC and assessed the relationship between feminine and vaginal washes and other factors on RVVC among Ghanaian women in the Sekondi and Takoradi Metropolis. Methodology A cross-sectional study was employed to gather data from 304 women. Data were collected using a pretested questionnaire. Bivariate and multivariate analyses, including chi-square, Fisher's exact test and logistic regression, were performed using Jamovi (R Core Team 2021) software. Proportions were calculated, and odds ratios and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals were computed with the level of significance set at 0.05. Results The prevalence of RVVC was estimated at 48.4% (95% CI, 42.6%, 54.1%). Feminine Vaginal wash use (aOR=3.86; 95% CI=2.18, 6.84); age 36–45 years (aOR=0.36; 95% CI=0.17, 0.76) marital status (aOR = 2.37; 95% CI=1.17, 4.79) and sexual activity (aOR:0.43: 95%CI=0.21, 0.88) were significantly associated with RVVC with p<0.005. Conclusion: RVVC is prevalent among women in the Sekondi/Takoradi Metropolis of Ghana. Feminine/Vaginal washes could be cautiously linked to the development of RVVC.