B J Foch1, N D McDaniel, M R Chacko. 1. Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, Office of Public Health (Region V), Lake Charles, LA, USA.
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE: The study sought to assess knowledge of, attitude toward, and practices of vaginal douching among adolescent females attending a public family planning clinic, in order to better understand racial influences on douching. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS: In this descriptive, cross-sectional study, a one-page questionnaire was administered to all adolescent females (< or=19 years) presenting to a public family planning clinic in a small southern city between March 1 and May 31, 1999. RESULTS: Of the 169 participants, the mean age was 17.0 years (+/-1.5 years), 53% were Caucasian, and 47% were African-American. Sixty-nine percent of participants reported vaginal douching, mostly for hygienic reasons (68%). Those reporting vaginal douching were more likely to have a history of sexual intercourse (P < 0.01) and a history of one or more sexually transmitted diseases (P < 0.05). Age of first douche correlated positively with age of first sexual intercourse (r = 0.34, P < 0.001). African-Americans did not douche to a greater degree than Caucasians. However, racial differences were noted in knowledge of and attitude toward vaginal douching. CONCLUSIONS: Vaginal douching was a common practice among adolescent females attending a public family planning clinic in a small southern city. Culturally appropriate educational strategies for African-American and Caucasian adolescent females should improve awareness of adverse events associated with vaginal douching, despite family and personal beliefs about this practice.
STUDY OBJECTIVE: The study sought to assess knowledge of, attitude toward, and practices of vaginal douching among adolescent females attending a public family planning clinic, in order to better understand racial influences on douching. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS: In this descriptive, cross-sectional study, a one-page questionnaire was administered to all adolescent females (< or=19 years) presenting to a public family planning clinic in a small southern city between March 1 and May 31, 1999. RESULTS: Of the 169 participants, the mean age was 17.0 years (+/-1.5 years), 53% were Caucasian, and 47% were African-American. Sixty-nine percent of participants reported vaginal douching, mostly for hygienic reasons (68%). Those reporting vaginal douching were more likely to have a history of sexual intercourse (P < 0.01) and a history of one or more sexually transmitted diseases (P < 0.05). Age of first douche correlated positively with age of first sexual intercourse (r = 0.34, P < 0.001). African-Americans did not douche to a greater degree than Caucasians. However, racial differences were noted in knowledge of and attitude toward vaginal douching. CONCLUSIONS: Vaginal douching was a common practice among adolescent females attending a public family planning clinic in a small southern city. Culturally appropriate educational strategies for African-American and Caucasian adolescent females should improve awareness of adverse events associated with vaginal douching, despite family and personal beliefs about this practice.
Authors: Christine M Markham; Susan R Tortolero; Robert C Addy; Elizabeth R Baumler; Nicole Kraus McKirahan; Soledad L Escobar-Chaves; Melissa Fleschler Peskin Journal: J Adolesc Health Date: 2007-09-04 Impact factor: 5.012
Authors: R J Diclemente; A M Young; J L Painter; G M Wingood; E Rose; J M Sales Journal: J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol Date: 2011-11-03 Impact factor: 1.814