Burden of Vaginitis Among Chinese Women Aged 18-74 Years - Five Provinces, China, 2023

China CDC Wkly. 2024 Dec 6;6(49):1299-1305. doi: 10.46234/ccdcw2024.259.

Abstract

What is already known about this topic?: Vaginitis is a prevalent and treatable gynecological condition in women that is associated with adverse reproductive outcomes, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, and elevated human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission risk.

What is added by this report?: This study identifies elevated infection risks among women aged 35-54 years, those with three or more pregnancies, and individuals who smoke or consume alcohol, with notably higher prevalence rates in Hubei and Yunnan Provinces. The findings demonstrate that awareness of cervical cancer screening serves as a protective factor, while emphasizing screening's crucial role in early vaginitis detection.

What are the implications for public health practice?: Public health interventions should prioritize women aged 35-54 years, those with multiple pregnancies, and individuals engaging in high-risk behaviors. Enhancing cervical cancer screening awareness and accessibility is essential for improving early detection and management of vaginal infections, thereby reducing reproductive health disparities.

Keywords: Disease burden; Vaginitis; Women’s health.

Grants and funding

Supported by the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences — A Strategic Study on Healthy China Development and Health System Reform (2021-I2M-1-046)