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

Year 2024, Volume: 13 Issue: 1, 67 - 74, 20.03.2024

Aytül Hadımlı , Mahide Demirelöz Akyüz , Serap Öner , Birsen Karaca Saydam , Esın Turfan , Neriman Soğukpınar

https://doi.org/10.53424/balikesirsbd.1376483

Cited By: 1

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.

Ethical Statement

Ethical considerations Necessary permits were obtained with the protocol no 111- 2017 numbered 02/58 from Ege University Scientific Research and Publication Ethics Committee to conduct the study, which was supported under Ege University Scientific Research Projects. Besides, to carry out the study, the application permit from the Turkish Ministry of Health İzmir Public Health Board, and the informed consent from the women participating in the study were obtained.

Supporting Institution

This study was supported by Ege University Scientific Research Projects Coordinator.

Project Number

905-16-ASYO-002

Thanks

The authors would like to extend their sincere thanks to anyone who contributed to this study.

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