FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH VAGINAL CANDIDIASIS AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN AT KAWAALA HEALTH CENTRE IV, KAMPALA DISTRICT. A CROSS-SECTIONAL DESCRIPTIVE STUDY.

Abstract

Introduction:
Vaginal candidiasis refers to a fungal infection that causes irritation, discharge, and intense itchiness of the vagina. This study assessed the factors associated with Vaginal Candidiasis among pregnant women at Kawaala Health Centre IV, Kampala district while specifically seeking to assess the knowledge on vaginal candidiasis health-seeking habits associated with vaginal candidiasis among pregnant women.
Methodology:
The study adopted a cross-sectional and descriptive research design with both qualitative and quantitative approaches where a pretested questionnaire designed based on the specific objectives was used to collect data.
Findings:
The majority 55% were between 26-33 years, marital status, the majority 50% of the respondents were cohabiting, 50% of the respondents had attained a primary level of education, religion, Catholic-dominated 51%, majority 78% of respondents had ever heard about vaginal candidiasis, majority 63% of respondents knew that they had vaginal candidiasis after being tested in the hospital, majority 62% of had ever heard about vaginal candidiasis testing, Majority 56% of respondents revealed that they knew the health seeking habits associated with vaginal candidiasis and Majority 54%of respondents reported that consultation with a general practitioner was the health seeking habits they knew.
Conclusion:
The study therefore concluded that more than 70%) of the respondents had ever heard about vaginal candidiasis, some of the health-seeking habits associated with vaginal candidiasis among pregnant women such other after being tested in the hospital and by observing signs and symptoms. This indicates that the respondents had a good awareness of health-seeking habits associated with vaginal candidiasis among pregnant women.
Recommendations:
The government should employ more health workers such that the majority go for outreach services in different areas so that they sensitize women about vaginal candidiasis among pregnant women. Its complications and how they can avoid its services.