Evaluation of Genital Hygiene Behaviors and Vaginal Douching Practices of Married Women Aged 15-49 in Fertile Period

Abstract

Objective: Analyzing the genital hygiene behaviors and vaginal douching practices of married women aged 15-49 in the fertile period. Materials and Methods: Married women aged 15-49 in the fertile period (N: 142) registered to the Family Health Center No 11 in Bornova District of İzmir province constituted the universe of the study, while 120 women accepting to participate in the study constituted its sample. Data were collected through the "Women's Descriptive Features Questionnaire" and "Genital Hygiene Behavior Inventory (GHBI)". The t-test, Kruskal-Wallis H test, and Mann-Whitney U test were used in independent samples with percentage calculations in evaluating data, while the correlation between variables was assessed with the chi-squared test. Results: The mean GHBI score of women is 78.36±9.3. A statistically significant difference between women’s educational background, income status, family type, vaginal douching, and complaints about a malodorous vaginal discharge experience among their socio-demographic features, and their mean GHBI score (p<0.05). Conclusion: The total score that the women obtained from the inventory reflects a mid-level genital hygiene behavior on their part. It can be suggested that training sessions be organized for their necessities and awareness on the issue be raised for them to earn correct genital hygiene behaviors. Keywords: Women’s health, Genital hygiene, Vaginal douching.

Keywords

• Women’s health
• Genital hygiene
• Vaginal douching.

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