The Impact of Genital Hygiene Practices on the Occurrence of Vaginal Infection and the Development of a Nursing Fact Sheet as Prevention Massage for Vulnrable Women

Genital hygiene is the major component of women's health and is very important for the protection of reproductive health. However, genital hygienic practices might affect women vulnerability to sexually transmitted infections and other sexual and reproductive morbidities. The study aims to assess the impact of genital hygienic practices on the occurrence of vaginal infection, and to develop a nursing fact sheet as a prevention message for vulnerable women. Subjects and methods; a representative sample of 200 women were selected from the gynecological outpatient and family planning clinics. Of those 100 women were positive for vaginal infection (study group) and 100 women free from vaginal infection (control group). Then a structured interview and assessment sheet was developed and used for data collection. The results of the present study revealed that the risk of having vaginal infection was significantly increased with maternal age 35 years old and more, insufficient income, unprotected sex and the use of IUD for contraception (p=0.001). Women were significantly more likely to use incorrect technique of washing the genital area, use reusable cloth for menstruation as well as using intravaginal cleaning (P=0.001). A nursing fact sheet was developed based on the current finding as prevention message to be disseminated to vulnerable. Conclusion, it can be concluded that infected women were significantly more likely to use incorrect technique of washing the genital area, use reusable cloth for menstruation as well as using intra-vaginal cleaning and home remedies to lubricate their vagina during sexual relation. Recommendations, women need to be educated about genital hygienic practices to avoid harmful behaviors and reducing the rate of vaginal infection. Infected women should recognize the adverse effect of recurrent infection, the importance of early screening and treatment as well as the treatment of their husbands. A fact sheet should be disseminated to vulnerable women.