An epidemiological survey of bacterial vaginosis, vulvovaginal candidiasis and trichomoniasis in the Tibetan area of Sichuan Province, China.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence and risk factors of vaginitis in the Tibetan area of Sichuan Province in China.

STUDY

DESIGN

Between September and October 2007, 397 women were surveyed with a questionnaire and diagnosed with bacterial vaginosis (BV), vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) and trichomoniasis by Gram stain and microscopy of vaginal swabs.

RESULTS

The prevalence of BV, VVC, and trichomoniasis was 51.6%, 6.5%, and 2.5%, respectively. Multivariate logistic modeling showed that risk factors associated with having vaginitis due to any of the three infections were older age and Tibetan ethnicity.

CONCLUSION

BV appears to be the predominant cause of vaginitis, followed by VVC, and trichomoniasis. Risk factors for vaginitis include being more than 49 years old and of Tibetan ethnicity.