Pattern of Vaginal Discharge and Associated Demographic Characteristics among Female Patients Seen at a Gynaecology Clinic in Northern Nigeria

Background: Vaginal discharge is a common gynecological symptom seen among women provoking anxiety and fear of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Methods: This was a hospital based retrospective study done from November 2008 to March 2013. Records of 969 patients presenting to the gynaecology clinic with symptoms of “vaginal discharge” were retrieved and relevant data on demographics, discharge characteristics and frequency, associated risk factors and symptoms, as well as investigations were retrieved. Data were analyzed using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) software, version 15. Relevant descriptive and bivariate analysis was done. Level of p Candida species in 252 patients (26%), followed by Staphylococcus aureus (15.6%) and Streptococcus species (0.8%). When compared, those with additional symptoms were more likely to present with whitish vaginal discharge, candidiasis and recurrence of symptoms (p