Prevalence of Bacterial Vaginosis in Thai Women attending the Family Planning Clinic, Siriraj Hospital
Wiset Watcharotone MD*, Korakot Sirimai MD*, Orawan Kiriwat MD*, Puntippa Nukoolkarn BSc (MT)*, Ousnee Watcharaprapapong BSc (MT)*, Suratana Pibulmanee BSc (H Ed)*, Somthawil Chandanabodhi BN*, Net-Anong Leckyim BA, MA*, Gessuda Chiravacharadej BS (Statistics)*
Affiliation : * Siriraj Reproductive Health Research Center, WHO Collaborating Center for Research in Human Reproduction at Siriraj, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University
Objectives : To investigate the prevalence of bacterial vaginosis (BV) among Thai women attending a family
planning clinic and to evaluate the association of BV with potential risk factors.
Materials and Methods : A cross sectional prevalence study was conducted among 800 women attending the
family planning clinic, Siriraj Hospital, between August and December 2003. BV was diagnosed according
to Amsel’s criteria. Prevalence and risk factor models were compiled and statistically analyzed.
Results : Among the low risk population acquiring sexually transmitted diseases, the prevalence of BV was
14.6% (117 of 800). Asymptomatic disease was recognized in up to 47.9% (56 of 117). BV was significantly
more prevalent among those who used douching inside the vagina [OR = 3.98 (1.85-8.33), p < 0.01] and
high a prevalence among IUD users [OR = 1.84 (1.22-2.79), p < 0.01]. Although not statistically significant,
BV tended to be more prevalent among women with a lower age at first intercourse, higher numbers of
lifetime partners, higher frequency of sexual intercourse and current smokers.
Conclusion : BV is a relatively high prevalent condition. The two potential risk factors, douching inside the
vagina and IUD use, can be demonstrated, adding to be more concerned about the inappropriate practice of
douching and more consideration in IUD users. The other potential risk factors, the impact to adverse
reproductive outcomes and the prevention of BV need further studies, particularly in various Thai populations.
Keywords : Bacterial vaginosis, Prevalence, Risk factor
