Recurrent vulvovaginal candidosis among young women in south eastern Nigeria: the role of lifestyle and health-care practices

This work was carried out to study the association between lifestyle, health-care practices and incidence of recurrent vulvovaginal candidosis (RVVC) among young women in south eastern Nigeria. It was a multicentre case-control study of 176 women aged between 20 and 35 years recruited from the designated health facilities. Lifestyle and health-care practice structured questionnaires were used to survey the participants. Clinical examination was performed and vaginal swabs were taken from participants for microscopy, culture and sensitivity. The germ tube test was performed for identification of Candida albicans. The results of this study showed that frequent douching with water or other fluids (odds ratio [OR](adjusted) = 2.41, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.25-4.66, P = 0.000), wearing tight nylon/synthetic underwear (OR(adjusted) = 4.76, 95% CI = 2.28-9.95, P = 0.000), alternative medical treatment for repeated or recalcitrant cases (OR(adjusted) = 4.84, 95% CI = 2.94-15.91, P = 0.000), were significantly associated with higher odds for RVVC and self-diagnosis and use of over-the-counter antifungal medications (OR(adjusted) = 4.61, 95% CI = 2.29-9.32, P = 0.000) were associated with RVVC. Results of the fungal cultures showed that C. albicans and non-C. albicans were isolated from 83.7% and 16.3% of participants, respectively. Our results supported the association between some of the hypothesized risk factors and the occurrence of RVVC.

Academic stress and menstrual disorders among female undergraduates in Uyo, South Eastern Nigeria - the need for health education

The aim of this study was to determine the association between academic stress and menstrual disorders among female undergraduates in Uyo, South Eastern Nigeria. Three hundred and ninety-three (393) female students of the University of Uyo, ages between 16 and 35 years were randomly selected from different departments in the University, and studied during the 2009/2010 academic session. Menstrual history and Student's Stress Assessment Questionnaire (SSAQ) were used for this assessment. They were distributed for participants to fill out. Prevalence of menstrual disorder among participants was 34.6%. A direct association between menstrual disorder and academic stress was observed. Commonest menstrual disorder was menorrhagia (37.5%). Others were: Pre-menstrual Syndrome (PMS 33.1%), Oligomenorrhea 19.9% and amenorrhea 5.9% (P<0.05). Those who experienced academic stress had about 2 times chances of having menstrual disorders (OR : 2.0, C.I = 1.224-2.837) at P<0.05. This study demonstrated a significant association between academic stress and menstrual disorder among females undergraduate in Uyo, South Eastern Nigeria.