Determination of menstrual hygiene management and genital hygiene behaviors of students: A university example from Turkey

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the use of menstrual hygiene products and genital hygiene practices among female university students. Method: A cross-sectional study design was employed. Data were collected using the Descriptive Information Form and the Genital Hygiene Behaviors Scale (GHBS). The Independent Samples t-test, ANOVA, and Post-hoc Tukey tests were used for data analysis. Results: Significant associations were found between GHBS scores and variables such as year in school, marital status, perceived income status, attending a health-related department, willingness to receive training in menstruation and genital hygiene (p < 0.05). Conclusion: It is recommended that regular educational programs, inter-institutional collaborations, and awareness-raising activities be implemented to promote students’ reproductive health behaviors. Health policies should also aim to improve young people’s access to menstrual products.