Prevalence of Bacterial Vaginosis in Grenadian Women of Reproductive Age

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of bacterial vaginosis (BV) among Grenadian women of reproductive age using the routinely collected Pap smear data for the period January 2009 to December 2011. Methods: A retrospective review of a cross-section of Pap smears was obtained for women between the ages of 15 and 49 years, using the national centralized data bank. at the. General Hospital in St George's, Grenada. Women aged younger or older than the sample group, as well as those who were reported as being menopausal or hysterectomized were excluded from the study. Demographic and laboratory data were collected and descriptive statistics reported. Results: The prevalence of By was 19.5% for the three-year period among the 2677 females included in the analysis with the 20-29-year age group having the largest percentage of infection (43.6%). An increase in the trend of prevalence between 2009 (16.1%) and 2011 (21.4%) was also observed. Candida vaginalis and Trichomonas vaginalis were present in 3.6% and 0.85%, respectively. Additionally, atypical cells of unknown significance and cervical dysplasia were documented in 5.3% and 1.8% of the smears, respectively. Conclusion: Practicing physicians in Grenada need to consider increased screening for BV in women who may present with non-specific symptoms. Further research is necessary to determine the predisposing factors in Grenadian women and associations with the disease and to assist in the development of national education programmes to alter behavioural practices that could result in the acquisition and persistence of BV among women of reproductive age in Grenada.