Evaluation of habitual behavior related to genital hygiene in women living in a health care center area

ABSTRACT

To evaluate that habitual behaviors related to genital hygiene in women living in a Health Care Center Area. In this cross-sectional study, 400 women were sampled to represent women in reproductive ages [15-49 ages] living in the Park Health Care Center Area, Ankara, Turkey between June and September 2008. Three hundred and eighty-six [96.55] women were interviewed for evaluation of habitual behaviors related to genital hygiene. The chi-square test was used for statistical analysis. The man age of the study group was 32.19 +/- 9.54 [15-49] years. Of the study group, 21.5% had daily baths, 77.2% used cotton underwear, and 71.8% wiped front to back after using the toilet. Of those who menstruated, 83.4% used hygienic pads during menstrual periods, and 42.1% of the 321 married women confirmed practicing vaginal douching. The education level [p=0.001, p=0.000], income level [p=0.034, p=0.005], employment [p=0.022, p=0.000], and house type [p=0.005, p=0.006] were found as factors affecting general frequency of bathing and type of pad used during the menstrual period. Frequency of vaginal douching was higher in housewives than employed women [p=0.000]. The rate of women who had appropriate behaviors related to genital hygiene among the study group was found to be low, particularly within groups with a low socioeconomic level. Thus, it will be useful for health care employers to emphasize this issue at every opportunity