Abstract

It is known that wrong and inappropriate hygienic applications damage the vaginal flora and causes a lot of health problems. The aim of this study was to define the females’ behaviors on genital hygiene, who live in a health center neighborhood. This descriptive study has been based on 400 females aged 15-49 living at the Fırat Health Clinic neighborhood in Malatya. The randomized sampling method was used. The females were asked questions from a questionnaire form in their houses. The data were evaluated by using the SPSS for Windows version 10.0. Of the 37% females included in this study are graduated from the primary school, 66.3% of them are married, 87.8% of females are unemployed, and 54% are in average economic situation. Of the 71% women have a shower in every two-three days, 38% of them do not shower during their menses period, 56% of them change their underwear in every 2-3 days, 23.5% of the females use wash-and-use diaper during their menses period, 46.5% of them change 1-2 pads daily, 43% have a vaginal lavage. In addition 27% of the females are being diagnosed now and were being diagnosed before having genital tract infection. As a result of the study, some inadequate and improper applications regarding hygiene habits were detected among women. Thus, taking the educational and socio-economic status of the women into consideration, they should be given some training about protecting and improving health. Also it would be beneficial if the nurses and midwives questioned and informed the women about the genital hygiene behaviors during their house visits under the health services at first stage.

Key words: Females, genital hygiene, genital infection

Article Language: Turkish English