EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDY IN SYMPTOMATIC PATIENTS OF VAGINAL DISCHARGE IN INDUSTRIAL POPULATION

BACKGROUND Vaginal discharge (VD) is one of the most common clinical complaints among women of reproductive age in many parts of the world.(1/2) It may present with varied symptoms & and has many etiologies. AIMS Main objective of the study was to know the epidemiological factors associated with the symptomatic patients of vaginal discharge SETTING AND DESIGN Present study was conducted in industrial population. Present study comprised of 150 women attending the STD clinic with chief complains of vaginal discharge. METHODS AND MATERIAL History regarding the socio economic status, education, working or non working, contraceptive methods used and hygiene was specifically noted. History of all patients, including the H/o present and past illness, treatment taken, obstetric & menstrual history, history of contraceptive method used, personal history and hygiene, history regarding sexual behaviour, H/o spouse/partner having genital complaints/discharge were also taken and recorded. After making the clinical diagnosis, appropriate tests for diagnosing candidiasis, trichomoniasis, gonorrhoea, chlamydia and bacterial vaginosis were done. RESULTS Youngest patient in present study was 19 years old and was diagnosed as having Trichomoniasis. Eldest patient was of 52 years, having Candidiasis. In present study 62.66% of patients were having income below Rs. 3500/month. No divorcee or widows were found in the study. Only five patients were working rest were house wives. In present study 62.66% of patients were having income below Rs. 3500/month. Only five patients were working rest were house wives. In the present study, 12 females were pregnant. CONCLUSIONS Most of these women are young, indigent and faced with social challenges that often pose more of an immediate threat to their well being.(24) A Good number of cases do not seek treatment either due to the fear of guilt or because they are a symptomatic.(12)