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Comparison of Depression, Anxiety, Stress, and Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Recurrent and Acute Vulvovaginal Candidiasis

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Reproductive and Family Health Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran

2 Student Research Committee, Razi Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran

3 Medical Mycology and Bacteriology Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran

4 School of Nursing and Midwifery, Jiroft University of Medical Sciences, Jiroft, Iran

5 Deputy of Health, Sirjan University of Medical Sciences, Sirjan, Iran

6 Neurology Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran

10.30476/smsj.2026.107104.1646

Abstract

Introduction: Vulvovaginal candidiasis is one of the most common fungal infections in women, affecting approximately 80% of them. The recurrent form, due to prolonged antifungal use and drug resistance, reduces quality of life and increases treatment costs. This study aimed to compare depression, anxiety, stress, and quality of life in women with recurrent and non-recurrent (acute) vulvovaginal candidiasis.
Methods: Demographic data of women aged 18–45 years with recurrent and non-recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis were collected at healthcare centers in Kerman and Sirjan in 2021 using a researcher-designed questionnaire. Patient classification (recurrent vs. non-recurrent) was based on the number of infection episodes per year. Stress, anxiety, and depression were assessed using a questionnaire derived from the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS), and quality of life was evaluated using the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaire (8 items and 6 components). A total of 84 women (42 in each group) were enrolled in the study. Data were analyzed using SPSS software, version 16.
Results: Questionnaire analysis revealed that quality of life in women with acute vulvovaginal candidiasis was significantly higher than in those with recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (P=0.03). Furthermore, the quality-of-life domains of physical functioning (P=0.021), physical role (P=0.029), emotional role (P=0.037), and health changes (P=0.002) showed significant differences. However, no significant differences were found between the two groups regarding depression (P=0.674), anxiety (P=0.938), or stress (P=0.615).
Conclusion: Vulvovaginal candidiasis substantially affected women’s quality of life and mental health, although the severity varied by disease type. Therefore, it is necessary to focus clinical interventions on mitigating these effects and to conduct further studies with control groups.

Keywords

References
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Sadra Medical Journal
Volume 14, Issue 2
June 2026
Pages 301-312
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