Symptomatic vulvovaginal candidiasis: knowledge, perceptions and treatment modalities among pregnant women of an urban settlement in West Africa

Background The use of oral contraceptive pills are increasingly becoming popular among women in both urban and rural Nigerian settings, its perceived association with gynaecologic infections not withstanding. Aim: To ascertain the rate of urogenital candidiasis among women on oral contraceptive pills (OCP) in Gboko town. Methods: All the willing women on OCP attending family planning clinic and Comprehensive health centre in Gboko were consecutively recruited in the month of September, 2009. Questionnaires were used to obtain relevant data such as age, marital status, occupation and urogenital symptoms. Urine, High vaginal swab and Endocervical swab specimens were subsequently collected, transported and processed for isolation of microorganisms using standard laboratory procedures. Results The rate of urogenital candidiasis among the 153 women on OCP was significantly higher 36.5% compared to the control 20.3% (P< 0.05) in as much as their general knowledge about the disease was poor; similarly, genitourinary symptoms were recorded in 22.2% of the women on OCP as compared to the 5.2% in the control group (P< 0.001) and was significantly higher among the singles, separated, widowed and separated (64.4- 64.7%) compared to the married 27% (P< 0.05). 79.4% of the symptomatic infections were caused by Candida spp. Conclusion Women should be properly counselled and health educated on the need for prompt and adequate treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis while facilities for appropriate treatment and proper laboratory diagnosis provided. Key Words: Oral contraceptive pills, Urogenital candidiasis, women