Determining the Genital Hygiene Behaviors and the Possibilities of Maintaining Genital Hygiene among Women in Reproductive Age.

Aim: This study was conducted to determine the possibilities of maintaining genital hygiene and genital hygiene behaviors among women in reproductive age. Materials and methods: This descriptive study was conducted with 301 women admitted 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 for whom they provide care, and inform and provide them with counseling about deficient or faulty practices in terms of protecting and promoting their health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]