Prevalence of Vaginal Candidiasis among Married Women in the Year 2021-2025 in Amachara General Hospital, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Vaginal candidiasis is one of the most common fungal infections affecting women of reproductive age and remains an important public health concern due to its impact on reproductive health and quality of life. This study assessed the prevalence of vaginal candidiasis among married women attending Amachara General Hospital, Umuahia, Abia State, between 2021 and 2025. Methods: A retrospective descriptive research design was adopted using hospital records of 327 married women diagnosed with vaginal candidiasis during the study period. The study described the demographic and clinical characteristics of the respondents, determined the proportions of laboratory-confirmed and clinically diagnosed cases, assessed the age-specific distribution of vaginal candidiasis, identified the predominant Candida species responsible for infection, and examined the association between parity and the occurrence of vaginal candidiasis. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, while Pearson's correlation analysis was employed to examine the relationship between parity and the occurrence of vaginal candidiasis. Results: The findings revealed that 38.5% of the respondents were unemployed, 37.0% were traders, and 24.5% were civil servants. The highest number of vaginal candidiasis cases was recorded in 2024 (25.4%), while the lowest occurred in 2023 (13.1%). Multiparous women constituted the largest parity category (39.8%). Most cases (86.9%) were laboratory-confirmed, whereas 13.1% were diagnosed clinically. Women aged 21–30 years recorded the highest proportion of cases (26.3%), while those aged 51 years and above accounted for the lowest proportion (12.2%). Candida albicans was identified as the predominant causative organism, accounting for 77.0% of infections, whereas non-albicans Candida species accounted for 4.0%. Pearson's correlation analysis demonstrated a weak positive but statistically non-significant relationship between parity and the occurrence of vaginal candidiasis (r = 0.0717, p = 0.1956). Conclusion: Vaginal candidiasis remains a significant reproductive health concern among women of reproductive age attending Amachara General Hospital, with Candida albicans identified as the predominant causative organism. Strengthening routine laboratory diagnosis, promoting reproductive health education, encouraging early healthcare-seeking behaviour among women presenting with symptoms of vaginal candidiasis, and improving surveillance systems are recommended to reduce the burden of the disease. Further multicentre studies involving larger populations are recommended to investigate additional behavioural, clinical, and socioeconomic factors associated with vaginal candidiasis.