Background: This study aimed to determine the knowledge of Bacterial Vaginosis (BV), its impact on the social, economic life and the use of probiotics for prevention and treatment among reproductive aged Nigerian women. Method: A total of 171 participants comprising 86 female students and 85 healthcare practitioners were randomly selected for this study. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data on demographic, social, health burden and knowledge on BV among the students. Data on knowledge, recurrences and financial burden of BV were collected from the healthcare practitioners. Results: Of the participants, 79.5% had heard of bacterial vaginosis from school (43.5%). Majority (45.1%) alleged that vaginal discharge is the most common symptom associated with BV while 34.6% admitted previous BV infection and 41.7% reported recurrences. Social burden of BV revealed that 53.7% indicated that BV makes them avoid having sex while 29.5% avoid closeness with people. Though 42% of the healthcare professionals indicated treatment of BV as combination therapy, none of them have ever used Probiotics to treat BV. The estimated cost for treatment of BV were between 2,500 – 10,000 naira. Conclusion: BV has an impact on the health, social and economic status of females. Appropriate treatment and education on BV is crucial.

Author Name: Ejike CE, Agbakoba NR, Ezeanya CC and Anukam KC

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Keywords: Bacterial Vaginosis, Burden, Nigerian women, Probiotics

ISSN: 1116-1043

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