History and Objectives: Due to the variations in the prevalence of vaginal candidiasis and lack on information regarding its prevalence in the Kashan region, the present study was conducted in 1993-94 to determine the prevalence of vaginal candidiasis in married women referred to Kashan's health centers.
Materials and Methods: 449 women were tested in this descriptive study. The sample size was calculates supposing a prevalence of 12%, confidence level of 95% and 3% error. Samples were randomly selected and distributed based in each center’s referral rate. In each case a physical exam was performed and vaginal secretions collected and incubated in an SCC culture medium. Positive samples were counted and a confidence interval was calculated for the population.
Results: The mean age of the women studied was 31 years and 100 cases (22.3%) had vaginal candidiasis. Therefore the prevalence of vaginal candidiasis in the population was estimated to be 18.5-26.1 percent. Fifty seven percent of the positive cases had no clinical manifestations.
Conclusion: We conclude that vaginal candidiasis has a relatively high prevalence in this region. Most of the cases are asymptomatic. We therefore suggest further studies be performed to determine its etiology and treatment.
Asadi M A, Rasti S, Arbabi M, Hooshyar H, Yoosefdoost H. Prevalence of vaginal Candidiasis in married women referred to Kashan's health centers, 1993-94 . Feyz 1997; 1 (1) :21-27 URL: http://feyz.kaums.ac.ir/article-1-622-en.html