ABSTRACT

The study was aimed at assessment of knowledge on the causes and prevention of candidiasis among women of childbearing age in the Molyko community. The main instrument used for data collection was a well-structured questionnaire designed according to objective of the study. OBJECTIVE: The specific objective of the study were to assess knowledge of candidiasis among women of childbearing age in the Molyko community, to identify the preventive strategies of candidiasis among women of childbearing age in the Molyko community, to identify challenges faced by women of childbearing age in the treatment of vagina candidiasis in the Molyko community. RESULTS: From the above findings, it shows that 42.9% had the knowledge on the causes of candidiasis. 40% could give the causative agent of the disease , 28.6% gave that the list recommended method was the use of drugs , 58.1% reported that they have contracted the disease before , 25% had no response to drugs , 8.6% and 6.7% lacked finance and were shy. CONCLUSION: From the study it should be concluded that further research is needed to improve the knowledge and attitude towards the prevention of candidiasis in the Molyko community. Recommendation: Health care providers should create educative campaigns to talk on the prevention and complication of candidiasis in the Molyko community.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background

Candida species are involved in the main opportunistic yeast infection in the world, candidiasis, being among the species of the genus, Candida albicans continues to be the most common (Carlisle and Kadosh, 2013). Although this yeast is responsible for approximately 50-90% of human candidiasis, Candida albicans is part of the commensal flora of more than half of the healthy population. Colonization by this yeast is beneficial to the host, because not only limits the growth of other opportunistic pathogenic fungi, but also promotes the functioning of the immune system (Matthews 2018). 

In the last two decades, it has been observed a considerable increase in the incidence of deep fungal infections, not only in immunocompromised patients, but also related to nosocomial infections, and even in healthy population (Desruisseeau 2009). Thus, with the increased incidence of deep fungal infections (chronic candidiasis), the primitive idea that they were related to a restrict number of pathogenic fungi and specific geographical area was completely changed. Furthermore, with the rapid increase of candidiasis incidence, other Candida species and microorganisms besides Candida albicans,have been involved in such infections (Jombo  2007).

The most common species are Candida  albicans, Candida tropicalis, Candida glabrata, Candida  dubliniensis, Candida parapsilosis, Candida orthopsilosis, Candida metapsilosis, Candida krusei, Candida famata, Candida  guilliermondii and Candida lusitaniae. Other relevant fact associated with virulence is their apacity to form biofilms with other species, which together with the presence of teleomorph forms difficult the treatment and alter the susceptibility profiles to traditional antifungals agents (Pawlaczyk  2006). In Maroua- Far-North Cameroon (2010), investigation was carried out at two referral hospitals, involving 211 (112 pregnant and 99 non pregnant) women of age interval 16-45 years, to estimate the prevalence of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) amongst pregnant women. The results indicated that the prevalence of VVC was higher amongst pregnant (55.4%) than non-pregnant women (35.4%) (Toua 2013).

1.2 Rationale 

Vaginal candidiasis is the most frequent type of genital yeast infection.  Approximately 75% of women experience at least once in their lifetime. Although, not being a threat to life, it is unpleasant and problematic, causing a variable degree of itching and whitish discharge, abundant and flocculent. This infection is very common among women of child-bearing age and in pregnant women, especially in the last trimester of pregnancy, when a variation of progesterone, estradiol and glycogen, associated with an increase in vaginal pH, favors the emergence of these infections. In this case, special attention should be given due to the potential occurrence of contamination of the fetus in the uterus, or even the child during childbirth. On the other hand, it has been observed that, in individuals with diabetes, the incidence of vaginal candidiasis is higher. Similarly, patients submitted to broad-spectrum of antibiotic therapy and even the use of oral contraceptives, are also important factors associated with higher rates of incidence of candidiasis. Therefore it is imperative assess knowledge of women of child-bearing age in Molyko on the causes and prevention of candidiasis community.

1.3 Goal of study

The goal of this study is to generate vital information on the causes and prevention of candidiasis among women of child-bearing age which will help to reduce the complication candidiasis among these women during pregnancy.

1.4 Research Questions

1. How can vaginal candidiasis be assessed in the Molyko community?
2. What are the preventive strategies of vaginal candidiasis among women of child bearing age in the Molyko community?
3. What are the challenges faced by women of child bearing age in the treatment of vaginal candidiasis in the Molyko community?

1.5 Research Objectives

1.5.1 General objective

The general objective of the study is to assess knowledge on the causes and prevention of candidiasis among women of child-bearing age in the Molyko community

1.5.2 Specific objectives

1. To assess knowledge of candidiasis among women of child-bearing age in the Molyko community
2. To identify the preventive strategies of candidiasis among women of child-bearing age in the Molyko community.
3. To identify challenges faced by women of child bearing age in the treatment of vaginal candidiasis in the Molyko community.