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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Jennifer L. Chase, MS¹, Annette M. Bachand, PhD², Jennifer L. Peel, PhD², Doreene R. Hyatt, PhD², Angela Crotsenberg, MS¹, and Erin C. Luben, MPH³. (1) Community and Family Health Division, Wyoming Department of Health, 4020 House Ave., Cheyenne, WY 82002, 307-777-5769, jchase1@state.wy.us, (2) Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Campus Delivery 1681, Fort Collins, CO 80523, (3) Carolina Population Center / MEASURE Evaluation, Univeristy of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 206 W. Franklin St, CB8120, Chapel Hill, NC 27516

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal infection in women of childbearing age in the U.S. BV has been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, including low birth weight and preterm birth, as well as increased risk for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. This study was designed to identify potential risk factors as well as differences and similarities between the risk factors for BV and intermediate vaginal flora in Wyoming women. A total of 734 women completed a comprehensive written survey providing information on potential demographic, sexual and medical risk factors and provided self-obtained vaginal swabs for screening. Logistic regression was used to build two models to identify and compare potential risk factors associated with BV and intermediate flora. BV and intermediate flora were diagnosed in 32% and 19%, respectively, of the study participants. BV was associated with type of clinic, education level, dental care history, Pap smear history, ever being pregnant, lifetime number of sexual partners, condom use frequency, unprotected anal sex, and women who have sex with women. In contrast, risk factors for intermediate flora were low socioeconomic status, unwanted sex in the past, number of sexual partners in the past year, condom use frequency, women who have sex with women, and use of prescription hormones. Our results suggest a need for public and provider education and for targeted interventions, and support the need for routine screenings and medical care. These results also suggest that intermediate flora and BV should be examined independently in future research.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe bacterial vaginosis and its effects in pregnant and non-pregnant women
• Identify potential risk factors for bacterial vaginosis and intermediate vaginal flora
• Recognize the differences between bacterial vaginosis, intermediate and normal vaginal flora
• Apply results from this research in public health and future research

Keywords: Women's Health,

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation