Factors influencing women's decisions to self-treat vaginal symptoms.
OBJECTIVE
To review the research on women's self-treatment of vaginal symptoms, describe factors influencing this phenomenon, identify evidence-based interventions, and suggest strategies for nurse practitioners (NPs) to promote safe and effective self-treatment decisions by women.


METHODS
Research articles identified through Medline and CINAHL databases.


CONCLUSIONS
The primary factors influencing women's decisions to self-treat vaginal symptoms were personal (attitudes, beliefs, values, knowledge and experience, and emotions) and environmental (culture, social networks and norms, media, and life context).


CONCLUSIONS
Women's self-diagnostic skills and decision making for self-treatment can be improved through education and support from NPs. The traditional office visit may not provide an opportunity to teach women appropriate self-care because many women do not access providers for advice or information. Different methods of providing information to large numbers of women through consumer publications need to be developed and evaluated.
Theroux
Rosemary
R
University of Massachusetts Graduate School of Nursing, Worcester, USA. rosemary.theroux@umassmed.edu
D002181:Candidiasis, Vulvovaginal / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion; D006379:Helping Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008960:Models, Psychological; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009722:Nurse Practitioners / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000523:psychology; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology*; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D012651:Self Medication / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014930:Women / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology*
D004366:Nonprescription Drugs