Fonck K, Kaul R, Kimani J, Bwayo J, Ngugi E, Moses S, Temmerman M; International Conference on AIDS.
Int Conf AIDS. 2000 Jul 9-14; 13: abstract no. TuPeC3414.
K. Fonck, ICRH, Ghent University, UZ Gent P3, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Gent, Belgium, Tel.: +32 9 240 52 54, Fax: +32 9 240 38 67, E-mail: icrh@rug.ac.be
Background: There is evidence that frequent vaginal douching may increase women's susceptibility to sexually transmitted agents and hence, vaginal douching may indirectly play a role in the heterosexual transmission of HIV. This study was undertaken to assess the association between vaginal douching and STI among a group of female sex workers (FSW) in Nairobi, Kenya. Methods: A structured questionnaire and a full physical examination including speculum examination and laboratory STI testing were performed. After pre-HIV test counselling, blood was drawn for HIV-1 and syphilis serology. Results: HIV-1 was found in 27% of the women, syphilis in 6%, gonorrhoea in 8%, chlamydia in 7%, and trichomoniasis in 13%; 13% had bacterial vaginosis (BV), 2% genital ulcer and 3% CIN. Douching was reported by 69% of whom 49% used water and soap, 8% only water, 6% water mixed with salt, 1% used a washing powder, and 4% used a commercial antiseptic. There was no difference in age, marital status, age at first sexual intercourse, duration of prostitution and numbers of partners between douching groups. There was no association between douching and HIV prevalence. An increased presence of BV, but significantly less trichomoniasis was found among women douching with soap. Women who used a mixture of salt and water had more vaginal yeast and CIN but this was not significant. Conclusions: Contrary to other studies, we could not demonstrate an association between vaginal douching and HIV infection. However, douching women were more likely to have BV, which may play a role in the transmission of HIV.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
- Female
- Gonorrhea
- HIV Infections
- HIV Seropositivity
- HIV-1
- Humans
- Irrigation
- Kenya
- Population
- Population Groups
- Prevalence
- Prostitution
- Syphilis
- Vaginal Douching
- Vaginosis, Bacterial
Other ID:
UI: 102239373
From Meeting Abstracts