Vaginal infections in pregnant women in Jamaica: prevalence and risk factors

Trichomoniasis, bacterial vaginosis (BV) and candidiasis are reproductive t ract infections (RTIs) of the vagina. We conducted a cross-sectional study in 4 prenatal clinics in Kingston, Jamaica, to estimate the prevalence of t hese infections and the risk factors that may facilitate their transmission among pregnant women. Of the 269 women studied, 18.0% had culture-positive trichomoniasis, 44.1% had BV (Nugent score greater than or equal to 7) and 30.7% were positive for candidiasis by wet mount. A multiple logistic regr ession analysis showed that having a malodorous discharge was associated wi th trichomoniasis (odd ratios [OR]=3.9, confidence intervals [CI]=1.04-14.7 ) and BV (OR=3.4, CI=1.3-8.7). Women who took action to prevent HIV infecti on had lower BV prevalence (OR=0.34, CI=0.12-0.98). Women who were employed were less likely to have any of the infections (OR=0.61, CI=0.36-1.03). Th e strong association of a symptomatic presentation with trichomoniasis and BV suggests the merit of considering syndromic management of vaginitis in t his population.