Candida species are frequently the cause of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), a fungal infection of the vulva and/or vagina. Approximately 75% of women will have it at least once in their lifetime, making it one of the most common gynecological disorders. More than 40% of them will experience two or more episodes, which is known as recurrent VVC. In this study, women of reproductive age who visited Asokoro District Hospital in Abuja were asked about the prevalence and risk factors of vulvovaginal candidiasis. Candida albicans was detected after collecting and cultivating high vaginal swab (HVS) specimens. Women between the ages of 26 and 35 had the highest prevalence (16.8%), followed by those between the ages of 18 and 25 (9.6%), and those between the ages of 36 and 45 (7.4%). Key contributing factors included low socioeconomic status, sexual activity, tight clothing, previous sexually transmitted infections, limited awareness, and poor personal hygiene. The study recommends ongoing health education for women, enhanced access to social amenities and quality healthcare, timely diagnosis and treatment of STIs and vaginosis, and routine microbiological screening of HVS samples during the first antenatal visit for pregnant women.
