Investigator(s)
| Submitter |
Sonam Zangpo Punakha Hospital, Punakha, Bhutan Sonam Zangpo 
|
| Principal Investigator |
Sonam Zangpo Punakha Hospital, Punakha, Bhutan Sonam Zangpo
|
| Co-Investigator(s) |
Sonam Wangzin Rabjay Eastern Regional Referral Hospital, Mongar, Bhutan Sonam Wangzin Rabjay
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| Co-Investigator(s) |
Ugyen Chophel Wangdue Hospital, Wangdue Phodrang, Bhutan Ugyen Chophel
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| Co-Investigator(s) |
Chador Tenzin Punakha Hospital, Punakha, Bhutan Chador Tenzin
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| Co-Investigator(s) |
Yeshey Dorjey Eastern Regional Referral Hospital, Mongar, Bhutan Faculty of Postgraduate Medicine, Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan, Thimphu, Bhutan Yeshey Dorjey
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| Co-Investigator(s) |
Thinley Dorji Central Regional Referral Hospital, Gelephu, Bhutan Faculty of Postgraduate Medicine, Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan, Thimphu, Bhutan Thinley Dorji
|
Title(s) and abstract
| Scientific title | Proportion and factors associated with bacterial vaginosis diagnosed using Amsel's criteria and Nugent scoring among women presenting with vaginal discharge at Punakha hospital, Bhutan: cross-sectional study |
| Public title | Bacterial Vaginosis Among Women Attending Punakha Hospital |
| Background | Bacterial vaginosis is the most common cause of abnormal vaginal discharge among women worldwide. It is associated notably with reproductive health, including pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and increased susceptibility to sexually transmitted infections. Diagnosis primarily relies on Amsel’s criteria and Nugent scoring system, both of which remain the most practical methods in resource-limited settings. However, there is a lack of diagnostic approaches and the evidence comparing these two in Bhutan. |
| Objectives | The study aims to describe the proportion of bacterial vaginosis women presenting with vaginal discharge. It will describe their sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, and assess vaginal sample using both Amsel’s criteria and Nugent scoring. The study will also compare the diagnostic performance of Amsel’s criteria in relation to Nugent scoring system. In addition, it will identify other common infectious causes of vaginal discharge. |
| Study Methods | This will be a cross-sectional study conducted in Punakha hospital starting from 1st April to 30th September 2026. Data will be collected using REDCap, and analysis will be performed using STATA. Continuous variables will be summarized using mean, standard deviation, median and interquartile range. Categorical variables will be summarized using frequencies, proportions and percentages. |
| Expected outcomes and use of results | This study will benefit both patients and the wider community. For the individual patients, the use of Amsel’s criteria and Nugent scoring will improve diagnosis accuracy and support timely treatment. At the community level, the findings will provide essential data on the proportion and risk factors of bacterial vaginosis which will support reproductive health education and it will enhance the quality of women’s health services across district hospitals in Bhutan. |
| Keywords | Bhutan; Gram’s stain; Lactobacillus; Sexual Health; Vaginosis, Bacterial. |
Research Details
| Student research | No |
| Start Date | 01-Apr-2026 |
| End Date | 30-Sep-2026 |
| Key Implementing Institution | no budget |
| Multi-country research | No |
| Nationwide research | No |
| Bhutan | |
| Research Domain(s) | Maternal, Reproductive and Child Health |
| Research field(s) | Reproductive Health |
| Involves human subjects | Yes |
| Operational Research | |
| Data Collection | Primary data |
| Proposal reviewed by other Committee | No |