Abstract
Introduction: Infective vaginitis, including bacterial vaginosis, vulvovaginal candidiasis, trichomoniasis, and aerobic vaginitis, is a common reproductive health issue. Hospital-based etiological data from western Nepal remain scarce. This study aimed to determine the etiological profile of infective vaginitis among women attending a tertiary care hospital in this region.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Lumbini Medical College and Teaching Hospital (ethical approval: IRC-LMC-05/S-24). High vaginal swabs were collected from 378 symptomatic women aged 15–49 years attending the gynecology OPD over one year (April 2024–March 2025). Samples underwent physical, chemical, microscopic, and cultural examinations. Data were analyzed using PSPP and p<0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: Of 378 women, 213 (56.35%) were diagnosed with infective vaginitis. Aerobic vaginitis was the most common (26.98%), followed by candidiasis (17.72%) and bacterial vaginosis (10.58%); 43.91% were non-infective. Candida albicans (31.75%) and Gardnerella vaginalis (18.78%) were the predominant isolates. Significant associations were found with occupation (p = 0.02), contraceptive use (p<0.001), smoking (p=0.08), and discharge character (p<0.001).
Conclusions: Infective vaginitis was highly prevalent in this population, with aerobic vaginitis and candidiasis as leading causes. Laboratory-based diagnosis should be prioritized over syndromic management in this setting.
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