Knowledge, Attitude and Predisposing Risk Factors of Non-Albican Vulvovaginal Candidiasis among Symptomatic Women in Port Harcourt

Background: The profile of non Candida albicans has risen greatly as a causative agent of Vulvovaginal candidiasis. However, little is known about the predisposing factors or the contributory attitude of those affected. This has made prevention and control of these agents difficult and for a long time, had been neglected because of the assumption that Candida albicans causes all or almost all cases of Vulvovaginal candidiasis.

Aim: To determine the knowledge, attitude and risk factors predisposing female patients to the acquisition of Non-Candida albicans vulvovaginitis in Port Harcourt using questionnaires, mycological culture technique, and germ tube testing.

Materials and Methods: High vaginal swab (HVS), demographic data and epidemiological risk factors were collected from 247 respondents with symptomatic vulvovaginal Candidiasis. Germ tube testing method was used to differentiate between albicans and non Candida albicans. The data was analyzed using the SPSS version 20. Association between variables was compared by using the Chi-square (χ2) test and level of significant was set at P < 0.05.

Results: The prevalence of non Candida albicans among symptomatic women with Vulvovaginal Candidiasis was 76.68%,the notable associated risk factors elicited from the study were inappropriate antifungal used which was found among 56.03% of the total non Candida albicans positive respondents this was statistically significant another was poor health seeking behavior, as much as 41.0% of the positive respondent treated their previous VVC at patent medicine store also was significant statistically P<0.005 while the poor knowledge of etiology of VVC was also outrageously high with as much as 50.86% of positive respondent believed VVC was a toilet infection, while 20.68% have no knowledge of the etiology and 10.34%,8.62%, 9.48% respectively attributed VVC etiology to sexual activity, poor hygiene and ovulation.

Conclusion: The associated risk factors of this high prevalence of non Albican candida in the study are common practice in our environment, hence there is need for coordinated health education to create adequate awareness to mitigate against this rising profile of non Candida albicans in our environment.