19 Risk factors for bacterial.pmd

1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, College of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Islamic Republic of Iran (Correspondence to T. Ashraf-Ganjoei: [email protected]). Received: 16/12/03; accepted: 24/04/04 ABSTRACT Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most prevalent form of vaginal disturbances in women of childbearing age. This study examined the prevalence and risk factors of BV of 130 non-pregnant women attending a hospital of Kerman University of Medical Sciences. Prevalence was 37.7%. Patients with BV had significantly lower educational and socioeconomic levels. They were also more likely to be smokers. The prevalence of BV was higher in patients with a history of abortion but this was not statistically significant. Women using oral contraceptive pills were at a decreased risk of BV; this was statistically significant. There were significant positive associations between BV and a history of vaginal infection, preterm delivery and premature rupture of the membranes. As BV appears quite prevalent in our patients, and considering the various complications associated with it, screening and treatment of high-risk women is suggested.