A Clinical Study on the Incidence and Management of Cases of Vaginal Candidiasis in Patients Coming for ANC Visit at Tertiary Care Hospital Over a Period of One Year

Background: Vaginal candidiasis, or yeast infection, is a common condition caused by the overgrowth of Candida species, with pregnancy significantly increasing susceptibility due to hormonal and immunological changes. Around 75% of pregnant women experience at least one episode, with 50% facing recurrent infections. These physiological shifts, along with altered vaginal pH and immune modulation, create a favourable environment for Candida colonization, impacting maternal and fetal health. This study aims to investigate the prevalence, risk factors, and management of vaginal candidiasis among pregnant women in western Gujarat, providing insights across all trimesters and evaluating current treatment strategies. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional survey study was conducted from June 2023 to May 2024 at M.P. Shah Government Medical College and GG Government Hospital, Jamnagar, targeting pregnant women attending the Obstetrics and Gynecology OPD. Among 8,412 patients, 1,642 (19.5%) were suspected of vaginal candidiasis, with 1,120 (68.2%) confirmed positive through clinical examinations. The study included pregnant women aged 18 to 49 across all trimesters and excluded those with severe physical ailments or recent medication use. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 23, employing descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, odds ratios, and 95% confidence intervals to evaluate the association of risk factors, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The mean age of participants was 24.2 ± 4.3 years, with a mode and median of 25 years. Out of 8,412 patients, 1,642 were suspected of vaginal candidiasis, and 1,120 (68.2%) were confirmed positive. Most positive cases occurred during the 2nd trimester (54.82%). Primigravida women constituted 59.64% of positive cases. Symptomatic cases were higher among positives (75%), with diabetes present in 6.25% and prior antibiotic use in 16.07%. All positive cases received vaginal hygiene management, with 98% treated using vaginal suppositories and 2% with antifungal creams. Conclusion: Our study highlights a high prevalence of vaginal candidiasis among pregnant women, with the majority of cases occurring in the second trimester and among primigravida women. Effective management with vaginal hygiene and suppositories demonstrates promising outcomes, emphasizing the need for early detection and targeted interventions during pregnancy.