BACKGROUND: Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is highly prevalent among African women and has been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, sexually transmitted diseases, and HIV-1. GOAL: The goal of this study was to analyze the relationship among intravaginal practices, bathing, and BV. STUDY DESIGN: The authors conducted a cross-sectional study of HIV-1-seronegative Kenyan female sex workers without symptoms of vaginal infections. RESULTS: Of 237 women enrolled, 206 (87%) reported vaginal washing using either a finger or cloth. Increasing frequency of vaginal washing was associated with a higher likelihood of BV (chi(2) test for trend, P = 0.05). In multivariate analysis, vaginal lubrication with petroleum jelly (odds ratio [OR] = 2.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.4-5.6), lubrication with saliva (OR = 2.3, 95% CI = 1.1-4.8), and bathing less than the median for the cohort (14 times/week; OR = 4.6, 95% CI = 1.2-17.5) were associated with a significantly higher likelihood of BV. CONCLUSIONS: Modification of intravaginal and general hygiene practices should be evaluated as potential strategies for reducing the risk of BV.
BACKGROUND:Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is highly prevalent among African women and has been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, sexually transmitted diseases, and HIV-1. GOAL: The goal of this study was to analyze the relationship among intravaginal practices, bathing, and BV. STUDY DESIGN: The authors conducted a cross-sectional study of HIV-1-seronegative Kenyan female sex workers without symptoms of vaginal infections. RESULTS: Of 237 women enrolled, 206 (87%) reported vaginal washing using either a finger or cloth. Increasing frequency of vaginal washing was associated with a higher likelihood of BV (chi(2) test for trend, P = 0.05). In multivariate analysis, vaginal lubrication with petroleum jelly (odds ratio [OR] = 2.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.4-5.6), lubrication with saliva (OR = 2.3, 95% CI = 1.1-4.8), and bathing less than the median for the cohort (14 times/week; OR = 4.6, 95% CI = 1.2-17.5) were associated with a significantly higher likelihood of BV. CONCLUSIONS: Modification of intravaginal and general hygiene practices should be evaluated as potential strategies for reducing the risk of BV.
Authors: Margaret P Kasaro; Marla J Husnik; Benjamin H Chi; Cheri Reid; Tsitsi Magure; Bonus Makanani; Tchangani Tembo; Gita Ramjee; Lisa Maslankowski; Lorna Rabe; M Brad Guffey Journal: Int J STD AIDS Date: 2016-07-10 Impact factor: 1.359
Authors: Maureen Chisembele; Violeta J Rodriguez; Megan R Brown; Deborah L Jones; Maria L Alcaide Journal: Int J STD AIDS Date: 2017-07-12 Impact factor: 1.359
Authors: Rupak Shivakoti; Susan Tuddenham; Laura E Caulfield; Catherine Murphy; Courtney Robinson; Jacques Ravel; Khalil G Ghanem; Rebecca M Brotman Journal: Clin Nutr Date: 2020-01-29 Impact factor: 7.324
Authors: Jennifer E Balkus; Walter Jaoko; Kishorchandra Mandaliya; Barbra A Richardson; Linnet Masese; Ruth Gitau; James Kiarie; Jeanne Marrazzo; Carey Farquhar; R Scott McClelland Journal: Sex Transm Dis Date: 2012-05 Impact factor: 2.830
Authors: Abigail Norris Turner; Charles S Morrison; Marshall W Munjoma; Precious Moyo; Tsungai Chipato; Janneke H van de Wijgert Journal: Infect Dis Obstet Gynecol Date: 2010-08-24
Authors: Rebecca M Brotman; Khalil G Ghanem; Mark A Klebanoff; Taha E Taha; Daniel O Scharfstein; Jonathan M Zenilman Journal: Am J Obstet Gynecol Date: 2008-03-04 Impact factor: 8.661
Authors: K Baisley; J Changalucha; H A Weiss; K Mugeye; D Everett; I Hambleton; P Hay; D Ross; C Tanton; T Chirwa; R Hayes; D Watson-Jones Journal: Sex Transm Infect Date: 2009-05-26 Impact factor: 3.519