Profile Of Vaginal Discharge Among Reproductive Women- A Hospital-Based Cross-Sectional Study
Main Article Content
Abstract
Background: Women of reproductive age frequently experience vaginal discharge, which is a typical gynaecological symptom that may indicate several underlying medical issues. The reproductive period in a woman's life is marked by dynamic hormonal fluctuations, making the female reproductive system vulnerable to infections, hormonal imbalances, and other health-related issues. Determining the characteristics of vaginal discharge and associated factors is essential to comprehending the impact of reproductive health problems and creating efficient treatment and preventive measures.
Aims: This study aims to describe the profile of vaginal discharge among married women and to determine the various factors associated with different types of discharge.
Methods: This is a hospital-based, cross-sectional study conducted in the Gynaecology OPD of Velammal Medical College Hospital and Research Institute, Madurai. This study included 299 participants through convenient sampling. Ethical approval was obtained from the institutional ethical committee of Velammal Medical College Hospital and Research Institute. A structured questionnaire was administered to the participants for data collection. Statistical analysis was performed using PSPP v1.6.2.
Results: 299 women with vaginal discharge were studied. The discharge varied in colour and almost two-third had accompanying symptoms. Itching (61.20%) and white discharge (54.52%) were the most prevalent symptoms. 26.75% of women had pathological vaginal discharge. Statistical analysis revealed significant associations between age at marriage and parity with pathological vaginal discharge. Women using permanent contraception had a significant association with pathological vaginal discharge.
Conclusions: In conclusion, a good proportion of vaginal discharges are pathological and hence all vaginal discharge needs to be evaluated and treated as soon as possible.
Article Details
References
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