Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Bacterial Vaginosis Amongst Female Students Living in The Hostels at Imo State University Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) represents the predominant etiological factor contributing to vaginal dysbiosis among women of reproductive age and significantly influences adverse reproductive outcomes. Notwithstanding its critical relevance to public health, there exists a paucity of data concerning BV prevalence among university students residing in communal accommodations in Nigeria. In order to bridge this research deficiency, a cross-sectional study was executed involving 50 female inhabitants of a hostel at Imo State University. High vaginal swabs were procured using sterile techniques and subsequently analyzed through Gram staining, Nugent scoring, and standard bacteriological methodologies. Sociodemographic, behavioral, and hygiene-related data were systematically collected via structured questionnaires. To investigate the association between potential risk factors and BV, chi-square tests alongside multivariate logistic regression analyses was utilized. The findings of the study indicated a BV prevalence of 46.0% (95% CI = 31.8–60.7). Importantly, the average Nugent score was markedly elevated in participants who tested positive for BV (8.2 ± 1.1) in comparison to those testing negative (2.1 ± 0.8; p < 0.001). BV-positive samples exhibited significantly increased bacterial loads (THPC = 3.1 × 107 cfu/g; TCC = 2.0 × 106 cfu/g). Five bacterial species were identified: Staphylococcus aureus (28.6%), Escherichia coli (25.0%), Streptococcus spp. (21.4%), Pseudomonas spp. (17.9%), and Gardnerella vaginalis (7.1%). The multivariate analysis revealed that irregular condom usage (aOR = 11.31, 95% CI = 2.81–45.45), recent antibiotic administration (aOR = 7.07), inadequate menstrual hygiene (aOR = 6.71), employment of scented soaps/douches (aOR = 6.69), and engagement with multiple sexual partners (aOR = 6.38) served as independent predictors of BV. The elevated prevalence of BV among students residing in hostels is intricately linked to modifiable hygiene and behavioral determinants. The predominance of S. aureus and E. coli highlights the implications of both environmental and personal hygiene practices. There exists an imperative for university-oriented initiatives that advocate for safe sexual behaviors, judicious antibiotic utilization, and enhanced menstrual hygiene to mitigate BV and its reproductive health ramifications for young women in Nigeria.