Identifying Genital Hygiene Behaviours of Pregnant Women in Rural and Urban Regions: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Objective: The research was done to identify the genital hygiene behaviors pregnant women in rural and urban regions.Methods: This research was done in analytical cross-sectional design at a maternity and children hospital in Aegean Region between April 15-October 2019. 278 pregnant women, who applied for follow-up and accepted to participate in the research, were included in the research. The data were collected through personal information form and Genital Hygiene Behavior Inventory. Descriptive statistics, chi-square test, Mann Whitney U test and Kruskal Wallis test were used in data analysis. Significance was accepted as p <0.05.Results: It was identified that 26.9% of pregnant women in rural regions were primary school graduate and 44.4% were secondary school graduate. It was found that 32.4% of pregnant women living in urban regions were high school graduate and 31.2% had bachelor’s degree. A statistically significant relationship was identified between educational status and genital hygiene behaviors of pregnant women (p<0.05). Depending on their living places, Genital Hygiene Behavior Inventory mean score was calculated as 77.98±12.19 those living in rural regions and 81.29±11.22 for those living in urban regions. It was found that Genital Hygiene Behavior Inventory levels of pregnant women living in urban regions was higher than those living in rural regions at a statistically significant level (p<0.05).Conclusion: It was identified that living place, educational status, employment status, age status and marriage year affected genital hygiene behavior. it is suggested that health professionals provide genital hygiene training to the pregnant women living in rural regions and with a low level of income through protective and preventive approach.