https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2824-9062
Abstract
Background
This study aims to investigate the occurrence of vulvovaginal infections, to describe and to relate the hygiene habits of women who were treated at the Units of Primary Attention to Family Health in a municipality in the interior of Brazil.
Methods
This was a cross-sectional study that was carried out in two Primary Health Care Units of the Family of Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The population sample consisted of 100 women who underwent gynecological consultation in the health units. Data were collected through interviews and by the analysis of medical records. Results were reported according to laboratory reports.
Results
The participants’ ages ranged from 18 to 45 years, with a median of 36 years. Thirty women (30%) presented alterations in the microbiota from a Pap smear, where bacterial vaginosis (diagnosed with Amsel criteria) was the predominant microorganism (83.3%). More than half of the women in the study who had vulvovaginitis wore cotton panties (70%, p = 0.651) and tight jeans/pants (83.3%, p = 0.010). The habit of depilating the genital area was reported by all the women, with the razor blade being the most commonly used tool (68%; p = 0.196).
Conclusion
Bacterial vaginosis was the most commonly reported infection in the cytological exams. Care with genitalia and genital hygiene habits may be associated with the occurrence of vulvovaginitis.
Abbreviations
BV, Bacterial vaginosis; VVC, Vulvovaginal candidiasis; HPV, Human Papillomavirus; IBGE, Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics; IUD, Intrauterine device; OD, Odds ratio; PCU, Primary Care Units for Family Health; SUS, Unified Health System; VV, Vulvovaginitis.
Data Sharing Statement
Available upon request from the corresponding author.
Acknowledgments
The authors thank the participants who made this study possible. The City Hall of Uberlândia for the authorization of the research in the Units of Primary Attention to Family Health. To the nurses Fernanda Vieira da Mota and Leandra Fonseca Duarte for allowing the study of their units, for the valuable contribution in the patients’ approach, support with the data collection, reading and access to gynecological results.
Author Contributions
All authors made substantial contributions to conception and design, acquisition of data, or analysis and interpretation of data; took part in drafting the article or revising it critically for important intellectual content; gave final approval of the version to be published; and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.
Funding
This study was supported by Foundation for Research in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil (FAPEMIG); Coordination of Improvement of Higher Education Personnel – Brazil (CAPES) – Financing Code 001; Foundation for University Support (FAU 002/2018), Pro-Rectory for Research and Graduate Studies (ProPP, Federal University of Uberlândia).
Disclosure
The authors declare no conflicts of interest in this work.