Determining the Facilities for Maintaining Genital Hygiene and Genital Hygiene Behaviors among Women of Reproductive Age

Abstract

Aim: This study was conducted to determine facilities for maintaining genital hygiene and genital hygiene behaviors among women of reproductive age. Materials and methods:This descriptive study was conducted with 301 women who presented to the gynecology outpatient clinic of a university hospital between August and October 2022. The study data were collected using a descriptive information form and the Genital Hygiene Behavior Scale(GHBS). Results:Participants' mean scores were found as 50.30±5.10 on the hygiene habits sub-dimension, 33.96±4.32 on the menstrual hygiene sub-dimension, 12.56±2.28 on the abnormal finding awareness sub-dimension, and 96.82±9.04 on the total GHBS. The mean GHBS scores of women who had primary education, lived in a large family, did not work in a paid job, had not received genital hygiene education, found their genital hygiene knowledge inadequate, had financial difficulties and felt embarrassed when purchasing genital hygiene products, had a fear of menstrual blood leakage, and experienced blood leakage accidents were lower (p<.05). While the most frequently used product for menstrual hygiene by 97.7% of women was sanitary pads, they also reported using washable pads (.7%), old clothes (.7%), washable period underwear (.3%), cotton (.3%), and toilet paper (.3%). It was determined that all of the women knew sanitary pads, 37.9% vaginal tampons, 27.2% washable pads, 26.2% washable period underwear, 15.3% menstrual cups, and 6% menstrual discs. Conclusion: In our study, although the mean scores of participants on genital hygiene behavior looked good, it was determined that the scores of some featured groups were low. In addition, it was determined that women did not have enough knowledge about sustainable hygienic products. Nurses and midwives should evaluate the genital hygiene behavior of the women who they provide care for and inform and provide them with counseling about deficient or faulty practices in terms of protecting and promoting their health.