Keeping Mothers Healthy: Effectiveness of Nursing Interventions in Reducing Recurrence of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis During Pregnancy

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Background: Pregnant women are more susceptible to vulvovaginal candidiasis infection (VVC) than healthy women consequent to the physiological alterations inherent in pregnancy, which may predispose women to various severe complications, such as preterm labor and increased risk of postpartum infections. Objectives: To evaluate the effect of nursing interventions on recurrence of vulvovaginal candidiasis infection among pregnant women. Methods: The study adopted a quasi-experimental research design. A convenience sample of 200 pregnant women was recruited. Antenatal outpatient clinics of Tanta University Hospital, El-Menshawy Hospital and EL- Mabara Hospital in Tanta City, Gharbia Governorate, Egypt, served as the sites for the study., served as the sites for the study. Three tools were used to collect data: Tool I: Pregnant women's knowledge regarding vulvovaginal candidiasis infection structured questionnaire, Tool II: Self-care practices regarding vulvovaginal candidiasis infection, and Tool III: VVC follow-up sheet. Results: Women in the intervention group demonstrated significant improvements in VVC-related knowledge and self-care practices compared with the control group (p < 0.001). The mean knowledge score increased from 1.56 ± 0.84 pre-intervention to 8.52 ± 1.70 post-intervention, while the mean self-care practice score increased from 17.34 ± 2.94 to 41.82 ± 4.28. Significant reductions were observed in all VVC-related symptoms and complications among the intervention group. Notably, the recurrence rate of VVC decreased from 93% before the intervention to 12% after the intervention (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The nursing intervention program was effective in improving pregnant women's knowledge and self-care practices regarding VVC and significantly reduced symptom severity and recurrence. Integrating structured nursing education and counseling into routine antenatal care may enhance the prevention and management of recurrent VVC and improve maternal health outcomes during pregnancy.

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