Clinical-epidemiological characterization of pregnant women with vaginal infection

Abstract

Introduction: Pregnancy is a predisposing factor for vaginal infections, which can have negative consequences for the mother and the fetus.

Objective: To characterize some clinical-epidemiological aspects of pregnant women with vaginal infection.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out on pregnant women treated at the Charef polyclinic, Djelfa province, from January 2024 to January 2025. The study universe consisted of 534 pregnant women diagnosed with vaginal infection. A sample of 224 pregnant women was taken by intentional non-probabilistic sampling. The variables studied were: age, diagnosis of cervical pathology, risk factors, symptoms and signs, treatment and evolution of the disease. A data collection form was used for data collection. For statistical analysis, the percentage was used as a summary measure.

Results: The group of women between 25 and 44 years of age predominated, 136 for 60.7%, 118 pregnant women (50%) presented bacterial vaginosis, with predominance in the third trimester, 71 pregnant women (49.7%). Leucorrhea was the fundamental sign in 196 cases (87.5%). The non-use of protection methods, multiparity, and frequent use of vaginal douches were the most representative risk factors with 224 (100%), 119 (53.1%), and 96 pregnant women (42.8%), respectively.

Conclusions: Vaginal infections were frequent in adult women, in the third trimester of pregnancy, with foul-smelling leucorrhea as the main sign and most diagnosed with bacterial vaginosis. The most relevant risk factors were related to the non-use of protection methods, multiparity, and frequent use of vaginal douches.