Medical Science
Volume 24, Issue 105, September - October, 2020
Vulvar itching among female general population of Saudi Arabia: Cross sectional study
Zahra Wasel Alismail1, Shaykhah Abdulraouf M. Al saeed1, Fatimah Sami Albattat1, Hajar Hashim S. Alhashim1, Ayshah Mohammed K Alhakeem1, Maryam Hussain S. Alayesh2, Fatimah Fuad A. Al hani3, Anwar Mohammed Aljezan1, Noor Ali Alghanem4, Sajeda Mohammed Almishal1
1Faculty of Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, KSA
2Family Medicine Department, First Health Cluster, Dammam, KSA
3Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
4Faculty of Medicine, Dar Al Uloom University, Riyadh, KSA
ABSTRACT
Background: Vulvar itching can affect any woman at any age. It can lead to scratching and rubbing which can break the skin and can
lead to soreness, bleeding and skin infections. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of vulvar itching, its manifestations and the
previously doctor diagnosed causes among females in KSA. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out on general female
population of Saudi Arabia, during the period from 1 January to 31 June 2019. Data was collected from Saudi general female
population. Multistage random sampling technique was followed. Data was collected by using pre designed online questionnaire
which include questions designed to fulfill the study objectives. Risk factors were determined using X2 test. P value of less than 0.05
was considered statistically significant. Results: Among 2791 studied females, the total incidence of vulvar itching was 43.9%. The
reported causes were Trichomonas vaginalis 31.9%, fungal infection 33.2%, mixed infection 15.3%, bacterial infection 6.9%, chemical
irritation in 1.5% and only 0.1% for chronic cervicitis. According to relation of pruritus vulva to age, marital status, DM, keeping
genital area dry and dysuria, our study found that there was significant relation with marital status, DM, keeping genital area dry and
dysuria (P< 0.05) but, there was no significant relation found with age. Conclusion: in our study, the total incidence of vulvar itching
was 43.9%. The most frequently reported causes were Trichomonas vaginalis then fungal infection and mixed infection. So, we
recommend health education about the preventive measures and prompt treatment of the cases to prevent the recurrence.
Keywords: Vulvar itching, pruritus vulva, general itching, female, Saudi Arabia
Medical Science, 2020, 24(105), 3542-3549
