Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Assistant Professor of Maternal and Newborn Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Ain Shams University, Egypt.
2
Assistant Professor of Maternal and Newborn Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Cairo University, Egypt.
3
Family and Community Health Nursing, Colleague of Menoufia University Hospitals, Menoufia University, Egypt.
4
Assistant professor of Community Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Cairo University, Egypt.
10.21608/ejhc.2025.454115
Abstract
Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (VVC) is a prevalent gynecologic problem, affecting women at least once in their lives, and poorly impacting their daily activities and productivity. Yogurt containing Lactobacillus acidophilus is a non-pharmacological, effective method that helps alleviate VVC symptoms. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of yogurt containing Lactobacillus acidophilus on VVC symptoms. A quasi-experimental research design (nonequivalent control group) was used. Setting: The research was done at obstetric and gynecological outpatient clinics in University Maternity Hospital in Shebin-Elkoom, Menoufia Governorate, Egypt. Subjects: A purposive sampling technique was employed to recruit 80 women, who were assigned to a yogurt group and a control group (40 for each). Two tools to collect data were utilized: a semi-structured interviewing questionnaire to assess general characteristics of women, health habits, and VVC symptoms questionnaire. Results: the mean age in the yogurt group was 28.1 ± 5.7 years compared to 27.2 ± 5.4 years in the control group; most of the women in both groups exhibited improper health habits and complained of moderate to severe VVC. After utilizing yogurt containing lactobacillus, most of the VVC symptoms, such as vaginal itching, burning sensation, vaginal itching, and dyspareunia, were improved significantly and faster in the yogurt group, compared to the control group, with statistically significant differences. The study concluded that yogurt containing Lactobacillus acidophilus has a beneficial effect in improving the symptoms of VVC, and can suppress the Candida growth. Recommendation: Increase women's awareness about healthy practices to prevent VVC occurrence and recurrence, and provide information on the effectiveness of non-pharmacological methods for symptom relief in gynecological clinics and healthcare centers.
Keywords
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