Date Posted: June 10, 2026

Author/s: Ma. Czarina G. Velasco, MD; Lylah D. Reyes, MD, FPOGS and Jennifer T. Co, MD, FPOGS

Background: Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the leading cause of vaginal infections affecting approximately three million women yearly worldwide. The prevalence was noted to increase through the years. Varying literatures showed conflicting evidence as to how the change in the abnormal vaginal flora comes about.

Objective: To determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with bacterial vaginosis among women seen at the outpatient department of a tertiary medical center.

Methods: This is a cross-sectional study which involved review of patients’ charts of women, 18 to 44 years old, who were seen at the outpatient department of a tertiary medical center from 2017 to 2019 presenting with homogenous, white to grayish vaginal discharge. Diagnosis of BV was based on Nugent’s score on gram stain with a score of 4 to 6 with clue cells or a score of 7 to 10. Purposive sampling was done. Data gathered included age, gravidity, parity, pregnancy status, educational status, coitarche, number of sexual partners, family planning method, comorbidities, smoking and alcohol consumption.

Results: Prevalence of bacterial vaginosis from 2017 to 2019 in this institution accounts to 70.57% (271/384). The risk factors found to be significantly associated with bacterial vaginosis were age (p 0.003), parity (p 0.001), pregnancy status (p 0.043), number of sexual partners (p 0.002), use of family planning method (p < 0.001), presence of comorbidities (p <0.001), smoking (p 0.003), and alcohol consumption (0.014).

Conclusion: The prevalence of bacterial vaginosis in this institution is higher than those previously reported. Women at higher risk for bacterial vaginosis are multiparous, non-pregnant, with 2 or more sexual partners, comorbidities, using barrier method and IUD contraceptives, smoker as well as alcoholbeverage drinker. The risk of BV is lower among woman aged 18 to 30 years old.

Keywords:
bacterial vaginosis, prevalence, risk factors, sociodemographic factors and sexual behaviors