The Prevalence of Vaginal Douching and Associated Factors in Married Women and the Role of Education in Stopping Vaginal Douching ?

Vaginal douche is a traditional practice widespread among the women all over the world. Advices and education from health professionals are of utmost importance in preventing and halting VD. There are only two studies on the prevention of VD practice in Turkey. Aim: The aim of this study to analyze the prevalence of vaginal douche among married women between aged 15 and 49 years from two districts of the Western and Eastern Turkey, and to identify the socio-demographic factors which effect this procedure. In addition, we aimed to evaluate the role of education in stopping vaginal douche. Methods:The study was carried out in two stages between February 2014 and August 2014 in Eskisehir and Malatya city centers. The first stage is a crosssectional to determine the prevalence of the vaginal douche and the second stage is intervention to prevent douching.The sample size was identified as 702 in Malatya and 352 in Eskisehir with a confidence interval of 95% and error margin of 5%. Results:Of 1,088 women, 203 (18.7%) practiced vaginal douche. Old age, low level of education and income, large family, increase in number of children, being uninformed about the harmful effects of vaginal douching were identified as the independent risk factors of vaginal douching. There was a significant difference between women’s habit of practicing vaginal douche before and after education (p<0.001). Conclusion:The rate of vaginal douche among women in this study is lower than many other studies. However, it was found that approximately two of every 10 women practice vaginal douche. Vaginal douche should be considered as an important public health problem due to the risks and economic losses that it creates. Health professional working in the field of women’s health should support women in developing healthy genital hygiene habits.