Evaluation of habitual behavior related to genital hygiene in women living in a health care center area.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate that habitual behaviors related to genital hygiene in women living in a Health Care Center Area.


METHODS
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 (96.5%) women were interviewed for evaluation of habitual behaviors related to genital hygiene. The chi-square test was used for statistical analysis.


RESULTS
The mean 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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Public Health Department, School of Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey. esin_ocaktan@yahoo.com
Mine E
ME
Ocaktan
Emine
E
Baran
Recep
R
Akdur
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005836:Genitalia, Female; D006801:Humans; D006920:Hygiene; D008875:Middle Aged; D055815:Young Adult