The Relationship of Perceived Immune Status, Psychological Distress, and Nutritional Status with Pathological Leukorrhea among Full-day School Students in Surabaya, Indonesia

Document Type : Original Research Article

Authors

1 Midwife Education Professional Program, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Indonesia

2 Assistant Professor, Department of Public Health Science and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga

3 Lecturer, Department of Medical Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga

10.22038/jmrh.2025.78553.2343

Abstract

Background & aim: Leukorrhea is the most common disorder among female students in full-day senior high schools, and is often accompanied by distressing symptoms such as genital itching and a fish-like odor. The primary risk factors for this condition remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between perceived immune status, psychological distress, and nutritional status with pathological leukorrhea among female students in a full-day school.
Methods: This study used a cross-sectional design with consecutive sampling of 131 female students at Muhammadiyah High School in Surabaya in January 2024. Students who experienced leukorrhea were characterized according to their immune status, level of psychological distress, and nutritional status. Data were collected using the Immune Status Questionnaire, the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-42, body mass index measurement, and the Vaginal Discharge Assessment form. The relationships were analyzed statistically using the chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests.
Results: The majority (71%) of the respondents experienced pathological symptoms. Level of psychological stress and nutritional status did not show any association with symptoms of pathological leukorrhea (P= 0.977 and P=0.162, respectively), with an odds ratio and 95% confidence interval of 1.295 (1.011-1.659). However, low immune status was associated with symptoms of pathological leukorrhea (P=0.027). Most students with genital itching were immunocompromised.
Conclusion: Low immune status was identified as the primary risk factor for pathological leukorrhea among full-day school students. Students’ immune status needs to be monitored and improved regularly to prevent pathological leukorrhea.

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Main Subjects

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Journal of Midwifery and Reproductive Health
Volume 14, Issue 1
January 2026
Pages 5174-5180

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