Prevalence of bacterial vaginosis in Thai women attending the family planning clinic, Siriraj Hospital.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the prevalence of bacterial vaginosis (BV) among Thai women attending a family planning clinic and to evaluate the association of BV with potential risk factors. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A cross sectional prevalence study was conducted among 800 women attending the family planning clinic, Siriraj Hospital, between August and December 2003. BV was diagnosed according to Amsel's criteria. Prevalence and risk factor models were compiled and statistically analyzed RESULTS: Among the low risk population acquiring sexually transmitted diseases, the prevalence of BV was 14.6% (117 of 800). Asymptomatic disease was recognized in up to 47.9% (56 of 117). BV was significantly more prevalent among those who used douching inside the vagina [OR = 3.98 (1.85-8.33), p < 0.01] and high a prevalence among IUD users [OR = 1.84 (1.22-2.79), p < 0.01]. Although not statistically significant, BV tended to be more prevalent among women with a lower age at first intercourse, higher numbers of lifetime partners, higher frequency of sexual intercourse and current smokers. CONCLUSION: BV is a relatively high prevalent condition. The two potential risk factors, douching inside the vagina and IUD use, can be demonstrated, adding to be more concerned about the inappropriate practice of douching and more consideration in IUD users. The other potential risk factors, the impact to adverse reproductive outcomes and the prevention of BV need further studies, particularly in various Thai populations.

A study of amphetamine users in vocational school boy.

In Thailand, amphetamine locally called “YAMAH” are wrongly used as stimulants. They are widely available among teenagers in vocational schools. In a urinary amphetamine test conducted on three hundred and fifty vocational students aged 18-20 years 13.7% proved positive. Significantly half of the students testing positive were aged only 18 years, maybe because, being younger they are easily led which might have caused by their own inexperienced behavior. It was also found that 42.9% of these students had sex-related diseases, though most had sexual intercourse with their girl friends and only a few with prostitutes. On comparing the sexual histories, we found 62.5% of the positive group always used condom during sexual intercourse, while only 19.4% in the negative group did, a marked statistical difference. On proving deeper with the students test up positive we found that themselves male and female, are agents for the “YAMAH” are family problems and friends. All students realize the danger “YAMAH” poses to their health and the waste of money it causes. Yet, they would be able to stop taking “YAMAH” only if it were not still available in their own schools.