Prevalence of Vaginal Candidiasis among Female Students of a Hostel in the University of Calabar, Calabar

High vaginal swabs were collected from female students aged 17-31 years of the University of Calabar, Calabar following informed consent. Each student completed a questionnaire that explored information on their personal hygiene and behavioral risk factors. The samples were cultured and evaluated for the presence of Candida albicans using standard microbiological techniques. Candida albicans was detected in 20.0% of the subject samples. Persons aged 22-26 years had the highest prevalence (32.3%) while the age range of 27-31years had the least prevalence (5.7%). Candida albicans was significantly associated (p<0.05) with the age of the study subjects. The use of broad spectrum antibiotics, wearing of non-ventilating tight nylon pants, pregnancy, use of oral contraceptive pills and vaginal douching were identified risk factors for vaginal candidiasis. This study revealed a high prevalence of vaginal candidiasis among apparently healthy female students population and makes need for an intervention.