Microbial Aetiology of Vaginal Discharge In Relation To Intra-Vaginal Practices among Women Attending Reproductive Health Clinic in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. -

Genital discharge in women is due to different etiology. A significant high proportion of women globally practice douching, and drying vagina due to various reasons. These intra-vaginal practices have been reported to be associated with reproductive tract infections and HIV. The influence of these practices on vaginal discharge and reproductive tract infections in Tanzania was not well known. A cross sectional study was conducted between January 2003 and January 2004, investigating microbial etiology of vaginal discharge and its relationship with intra-vaginal practices among women presented with vaginal discharge at reproductive health clinic in Dar es Salaam. A structured questionnaire and laboratory forms were used to collect required information. Univariate and multivariate analysis were done. Three hundred twenty six women were enrolled. The median age was 26 years (range 16 - 63). A proportion of 81.9% and 50.3% reported practicing douching and drying vagina before sex respectively. Water (53.2%) and piece of cloth (95.3%) were the most often used material for douching and drying vagina respectively. Candida infection (44.3%) was the most prevalent RTI followed by bacterial vaginosis (41.2 %), while HIV seroprevalence was 26.6%. Douching was associated with higher risk of bacterial vaginosis (OR, 3.10, 95% CI (1.36 – 7.06)). The intra-vaginal practices were found widespread among women in Dar es Salaam, douching being significantly associated with Bacterial vaginosis. Provision of health education and proper counseling at reproductive health clinic on intra-vaginal practices is warranted besides treatment to control and prevent infections. The findings should prompt women to reconsider on intra-vaginal practices