Keywords
obesity
Candida albicans
BMI
risk factors
Karachi
antifungal resistance
How to Cite
Abstract
Background: Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a prevalent gynecological illness caused mostly by Candida species, and obesity has emerged as a significant risk factor. Obesity causes hormonal, immunological, and microbial changes that make women susceptible to infections. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of VVC and its related risk factors in obese women in Karachi, Pakistan.
Methods: From August to December 2024, a cross-sectional study was carried out in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) in Karachi. The study recruited 250 obese women between the ages of 18 and 50 who had VVC symptoms. Obesity was classified as BMI ≥30 kg/m². Data were gathered using structured interviews, clinical examinations, and vaginal swab cultures. SPSS version 23 was used to assess the relationship between VVC and risk factors such BMI, antibiotic use, and lifestyle. P-values < 0.05 were considered significant.
Results: The results showed that 54% of the subjects had VVC. Candida albicans was the most frequently isolated species (72%), followed by Candida glabrata (18%) and non-albicans species (10%). Women with a BMI of ≥35 kg/m² had a substantially higher prevalence of VVC (65.2%) than those with a BMI of 30-34.9 kg/m² (42.6%, p < 0.01). Significant risk variables were antibiotic use (67.4%, p < 0.05) and sedentary lifestyle (59.8%, p < 0.05). Age and marital status had no significant association with VVC (p > 0.05).
Conclusion: Obesity greatly increases the risk of VVC, especially in women with a BMI ≥35 kg/m². The research conducted proves the importance of targeted treatments, including weight management, physical exercise, and antibiotic utilization care, as the means of reducing VVC rates among obese females. The results indicate the necessity of microbiological diagnosis to create the effective treatment solution, particularly, the non-albicans species that are often resistant to conventional antifungal agents.